Gary Gaetti

The first player ever to hit home runs in his first two postseason plate appearances.

Gary Gaetti is an American former professional baseball third baseman best known for his decade-long tenure with the Minnesota Twins (1981–1990). Born on August 19, 1958, he was a central figure in the franchise's first World Series championship in 1987. Gaetti was named the MVP of that year's American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers after hitting home runs in his first two postseason plate appearances, setting a historic record. His career spanned six MLB teams, including stints with the Angels, Royals, Cardinals, Cubs, and Red Sox, before he transitioned into management with the independent Sugar Land Skeeters from 2012 to 2017.

Quick Facts

Position: Third baseman
Bats: Right
Born: 19 August 1958
Birthplace: Centralia, Illinois, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: September 20
Debut year: 1981
Debut team: Minnesota Twins

Lore & Background

Gaetti's path to the majors involved being drafted three times before finally signing with the Twins on June 21, 1979. After playing for minor league affiliates in Elizabethton, Wisconsin Rapids, and Orlando, he made his major league debut in September 1981, hitting a home run off Charlie Hough in his first at-bat. By 1982, he became the permanent third baseman for Minnesota, holding the position for nine seasons. His defensive excellence was recognized with four consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1986 through 1989. Offensively, he peaked during the 1987 championship season, batting .257 with 31 home runs and 109 RBI. He also holds a unique defensive distinction: on July 17, 1990, against the Boston Red Sox, he helped the Twins turn two triple plays in the same game, a feat unmatched in baseball history despite their 1–0 loss.

Reader's Guide

Gaetti's career was marked by unusual longevity and slow decline; analyst Bill James noted his walk rate never improved yet his productivity dropped exceptionally slowly compared to other veterans. He finished in the top 25 of American League MVP voting four times: three with the Twins (1986–1988) and once with the Royals in 1995, when he hit a career-high 35 home runs at age 36. That same year, he won his only Silver Slugger award. He retired with 2,280 total hits, ranking 161st all-time, and seven defensive triple plays, tying him for third-most in history. Post-retirement, he managed the Sugar Land Skeeters to a championship in 2016 and had his number retired by the team in 2021.

Did You Know?

He served as an emergency relief pitcher for the Cardinals and Cubs, recording one strikeout and a 7.71 ERA.
Gaetti managed the independent Sugar Land Skeeters from 2012 to 2017, leading them to their first championship in 2016.