Velez had his best season in 1980, as in 104 games, he hit .269 with 20 HR and 62 RBI. On May 4, Velez hit four home runs in a doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians, and this feat was notable in that Velez hit one of each possible home run in the doubleheader, that is, a solo, two-run, three-run home run as well as a grand slam, therefore "hitting for the cycle" in home runs. His home run and RBI totals were the second highest on the team.