Cloninger threw first pitch for Atlanta Braves

Tony Cloninger, who threw the first pitch in Atlanta Braves history and hit two grand slams in one game later that inaugural season, died Tuesday in Denver, North Carolina, at the age of 77.

Cloninger was the opening day starter for the Braves on April 12, 1966, after the franchise moved from Mil- waukee. At Atlanta Stadium, Cloninger threw all 13 innings in a 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh. He went 24-11 for Milwaukee in 1965, the club’s last season before moving to Atlanta.

Cloninger, a right-hander, played 12 seasons (1961-72), mostly for the Braves in Mil- waukee and Atlanta. He recorded a 113-97 record, 4.07 ERA and 1,120 strike- outs. He also had a career batting average of .192 with 11 home runs and 67 RBIs. Five of his home runs came in 1966.

Cloninger is best known for hitting two grand slams in one game. In a game at San Francisco on July 3, 1966, he became the first National League player and first pitcher in history to hit two home runs with the bases loaded in one game. He drove in nine runs at the Braves defeated the Giants 17-3 at Candlestick Park. The RBI total still stands as the Braves’ single-game record.

After seven seasons with the Braves, Cloninger was traded to Cincinnati and pitched in the World Series in 1970. He finished his career with a season with St. Louis.

Cloninger spent nine seasons with the New York Yankees, beginning in 1992, as a bullpen coach and pitch- ing coach. He was a part of four World Series champion- ships with the Yankees and had worked for the Boston Red Sox since 2002.