NEW YORK —Jason Marquis of the Chicago Cubs last week became the first Jewish pitcher to crack a grand slam home run since 1950.

Jason Marquis  [Chicago Cubs/Stephen Green photo]

Marquis, a right-hander, connected to right field off Mets rookie lefty Jonathan Niese at Shea Stadium. The homer, part of a six-run fourth inning, propelled the Cubs to a 9-5 victory. Marquis also picked up the mound win to raise his record to 11-9.

The last Jewish pitcher to hit a grand slam was Saul Rogovin of the Detroit Tigers in 1950. Rogovin smashed his homer off Eddie Lopat of the New York Yankees.