Sarasota High graduate claims spot in MLB history

NORTH PORT (FOX 13) - Scooter Gennett has been working his way up rosters since graduating high school in 2009, and now he's making a name for himself with the Cincinnati Reds.

Born in Cincinnati, but raised on baseball fields in Sarasota - Scooter cemented himself in baseball's history books this week when he hit four home runs Tuesday night.

“I mean, I never thought I’d hit four home runs, ever. I mean, I’m blessed,” Gennett said.

His final stats: 5 for 5 with 10 RBIs. His first home run of the night was a grand slam.

"It's happened 17 times in the history of Major League Baseball. I don't think many people though that 5'10 Scooter Gennett would be one of the 17 to do it,” said Sarasota High baseball coach Clyde Metcalf.

Gennett's unlikely road to the majors began at Sarasota High School.

"He was a tremendous hitter. That was his art. He worked hard at it. He still does,” said Metcalf.

Scooter’s parents were watching the incredible performance from their home in North Port. The Gennetts say they moved to Florida, in part, so scooter could pursue the game he loves.

“I didn't go to bed until after 2 a.m., so I thought, 'Was it a dream? Did that really happen?'” his mother, Tina Gennett asked. “It's just amazing. He's just very blessed."