Tag: Home Run Derby

MLB All Star Game/That’s Amaury News Commentary podcast: National League and American League All Stars battle in the Mid Summer Classic tonight

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Los Angeles Dodgers Teoscar Hernandez (37) slugged 14 Home Run Derby home runs just edging the Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr who had 13 home runs at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Mon Jul 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, Teoscar Hernandez became the first Los Angeles Dodger to win the home run derby winner at the All Star Game contest on Monday at Globe Life Field. Hernandez edging out the Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr 14-13.

#2 Amaury, there were a number of hitters invited to the Home Run Derby but took a pass saying it could hurt a player and it could effect their swing going into the second half of the season.

#3 On the national stage at the Home Run Derby four time Grammy nominated artist Ingrid Andress’ rendition of the national anthem almost overshadowed the derby itself. Andress was off key during her rendition but there have been worse versions sang. But since this was in front of a national audience at the Home Run Derby it was a discussion.

#4 The American League announced they are starting Baltimore Orioles pitcher Corbin Burnes to start the All Star Game. Burnes is 9-4 with 2.93 ERA. The Orioles have had much luck this season occupying first place in the AL East and Burnes has been one of the O’s best starting pitchers.

#5 Each time you get to the All Star Game it give you a chance to ask questions of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and as usual the questions of the Oakland A’s playing at a minor league facility in Sacramento should come up. Reporters who have walked around at Sutter Health Park said it’s going to be challenging to fit all the media, fans, and players accommodations during A’s home games in Sacramento and games are expected to be sold out with almost no room in the ballpark.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network at 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez is Crowned the 2024 Homerun King in HOT North Texas

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Los Angeles Dodgers Teoscar Hernandez holds up the 2024 All Star Home Run Derby trophy after edging out the Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr at Globe Life Field in Arlington TX on Mon Jul 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

ARLINGTON, Tex. — Los Angeles Dodgers’ center fielder Teoscar Jose Hernandez became the seventh player from the Dominican Republic and first in franchise history to win the Major League Baseball All-Star Game Homerun contest.

Hernandez edged out the win by one dinger (14-13) in the derby’s final matchup versus Kansas City Royals’ shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. It was determined by one foot, as Witt hit the last ball 409 feet; unfortunately for him the wall was 410 feet from home plate.

Teoscar made a cool million dollars for his dramatic performance, and at 31, became the fourth oldest (Dave Parker, 34) participant during the annual Midsummer classic. He came into All-Star Week batting .261, belted 16 homers, and had 63 RBIs.

The path for both combatants was not easy, Hernandez actually survived a swing off (16-15) in the semifinals against Phillies’ third baseman Alec Bohm. Witt won his portion of the semis by five (17-12) over Cleveland’s third baseman Jose Ramirez, but it was close in the first round.

The host team, and defending champion hero, Rangers’ right fielder Adolis Garcia received a loud applause from the mostly partial Lone Star State crowd. However, his night ended quickly, as his 18 home runs did not get him out of the first round.

Witt Jr. also received love from the Arlington faithful, due to his father Bobby Sr. being drafted by the Rangers and was a longtime fixture in the Texas uniform. With that being said,, there was a collective gasp when Witt’s belted ball hit the wall, and not sailing over it for another swing off involved with Hernandez.

Even though a National League slugger won in an American League park, the 38,578 individuals inside Globe Life Field were treated to a highly competitive battle between eight great baseball players. There were slight changes to the event to condense things, but it still did not take away from the excitement of the T-Mobile Home Run Derby.

The All-Star game will be played at the same site, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, @ 7PM Central Standard Time. The next All-Star Game Week will be in Atlanta, Georgia, with the Braves being the host team.

Michael Roberson is a MLB staff writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

MLB All-Star Game: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. defeats Randy Arozarena 25-23 in MLB All-Star Home Run Derby

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The Toronto Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr waves to the T Mobile Field crowd in Seattle during the 2023 All Star Game Home Run Derby during introductions. Guerrero Jr was the winner for this year’s home run derby on Mon Jul 10, 2023 (AP News photo)

By: Mary Anne

The 2023 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby, better known as the most anticipated baseball event of the summer, got underway at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Monday.

Seattle Mariners star outfielder Julio Rodríguez, also known as J-Rod, was especially popular with the crowd in Seattle. Julio Rodríguez lost in the finals against then-Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto last summer but he became the first slugger to record multiple 30-homer rounds in a single derby.

Other sluggers included Toronto Blue Jays first baseman and designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena, New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., and Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis García.

Bracket
#1 Luis Robert Jr. vs. #8 Adley Rutschman
#4 Adolis García vs. #5 Randy Arozarena
#6 Mookie Betts vs. #3 Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
#7 Pete Alonso vs. #2 Julio Rodríguez

Round 1
Arozarena defeated García 24-17.

Robert Jr. defeated Rutschman 28-27.

Guerrero Jr. defeated Betts 26-11.

Rodríguez defeated Alonso 41-21.

Round 2
Arozarena defeated Robert Jr. 35-22.

Guerrero Jr. defeated Rodríguez 21-20.

Final
Guerrero Jr. defeated Arozarena 25-23.

Up Next
The American League and the National League will battle each other in the 2023 MLB All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park on Tuesday at 5:00 pm Pacific.

Soto Doesn’t Turn Down Home Run Crown: Nationals’ slugger wins Derby over impressive Rodriguez

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Winner of the 2022 Home Run Derby before the All Star Game at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles the Washington Nationals Juan Soto is shown taking a hack during the contest on Mon Jul 18, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Morris Phillips

LOS ANGELES–These days with baseball sluggers more capable, and itching to show their wares, you’ve got to do a little more to win the T-Mobile Home Run Derby.

Just ask Julio Rodriguez. The Mariners’ 21-year old, breakout star hit 81 homers, knocked off the two-time defending champion Pete Alonso, and still came up short–by one home run–as Washington’s Juan Soto captured the title at Dodger Stadium on Monday night.

The 23-year old Soto vowed he would win it, but he would have been surprised to know that he would have to get past fellow Dominicans Rodriguez and Albert Pujols to do it. Both Rodriguez and Pujols were surprise advancers as sluggers Kyle Schwarber and Corey Seager both took early exits.

Rodriguez started the competition with 32 homers against Seager, as he took advantage of not only his power but the positioning of the sun and shadows to start the event. He then came back and eliminated Alonso with 31 homers, as the defending champ could never seem to string together big flies and gather momentum. Alonso was eliminated with just 23 homers despite earning the full minute of bonus slugging.

Meanwhile, Soto gained momentum as the event progressed, first knocking off the Guardians’ Jose Ramirez, then taking down Pujols, who was the surprise, first round winner over Schwarber. By the third round, and Soto’s third as the finishing competitor already knowing what his opponent had done. Against Rodriguez, Soto patiently pursued the younger sluggers’ 18 blasts, and then made up the final four home runs needed in his bonus minute.

“It feels amazing. It feels tiring. I just tried to concentrate to square off the balls because I know I have the power,” Soto said.

Speculation is that Soto will be traded after turning down the Nationals’ offer of $440 million dollars over 13 seasons. That move, which will likely involve a bid or inquiry from the Giants, could happen in the coming weeks.

“Right now I’m not even thinking about it. I’m a champion, and I will be a champion for the Nationals,” he said.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: A’s Blackburn says he’s a loss for words on All Star selection; Met’s Alonso says he’s the best hitter on the planet for home run derby; plus more

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Oakland A’s starter Paul Blackburn is jubilant in this Apr 27, 2022 game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco. Blackburn who started in this 1-0 shutout had five relievers follow him to keep the shutout going. Blackburn will be the A’s lone representative for the mid summer classic this year at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles on Tue Jul 19, 2022. (mercurynews.com file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Oakland A’s lone representative pitcher Paul Blackburn is honored to be representing the A’s for the 2022 All Star Game in Los Angeles on July 19th. Blackburn said that he was a loss for words upon learning last Sunday he would get the honor.

#2 Blackburn 28 was 6-2 and currently is 6-4 has pitched in a number of games where he’s gone seven innings or more but in some of his loses he didn’t get much run support and got the loss.

#3 Amaury, Blackburn mentioned that he’s really looking forward to seeing and talking with Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani and other American League players. For Blackburn it’s an experience he soon won’t forget.

#4 The home run derby is one of the most anticipated events at the All Star Game and all attention most likely will be on the New York Mets Pete Alonso who won two home run derbies and winning the $1 million prize each time.

#5 Alonso didn’t hold back after winning in the 2021 All Star Game’s home run derby in Denver last season saying that he’s the best power hitter on the planet.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead Spanish play by play announcer for the Oakland A’s on flagship station Le Grande 1010 KIQI San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Super Slugger: Mets’ Alonso wins the Home Run Derby again while outshining the star-studded competition

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By Morris Phillips

DENVER–The greatest Home Run Derby ever? This one had all the elements.

Powerful hitters? Start with Pete Alonso, the defending champion with the tree trunk lower base and Popeye forearms. His first round of the night just turned out to be the biggest round ever with 35 home runs hit.

Exhausted hitters? For Sho… Shohei Ohtani looked gassed one minute into his first round, no doubt due to all the buildup surrounding his record-breaking exploits, not to mention having to be the last of the eight participants to hit. Ohtani was bested Juan Soto in round one, but that just means he’ll be better prepared for tomorrow’s starting pitching assignment and his spot leading off in the American League batting order. And no Ohtani didn’t flame out, he finished with a bang, pumping out 28 homers in his round, most of those in the final minute.

Hitters with amazing stories? Trey Mancini didn’t even play in the major leagues in 2020. Instead, the 27-year old successfully battled colon cancer and returned to action this season. His inclusion in the Derby was supposed to be a feel good story, but his first round elimination of Oakland’s Matt Olson was all in the swing. Mancini sent balls all over the yard, winning the duel 24-23. And the Orioles’ slugger followed that up by ousting hometown favorite Trevor Story, 13-12 proving that it’s always better to go last and not hit even one more home run than necessary to advance.

Of course, the setting of the contest–Coors Field in Denver–had a major impact on the quality of the contest. From the mile high locale to the baseballs not being run through the well-known humidor, the stage was set for a record-breaking event. The Rockpile beware! Here come the bombs!

The longest HR of the evening? Only by a couple of feet, that distinction went to Washington’s Juan Soto, whose longest blast traveled 520 feet. Ohtani and Alonso put themselves in this competition with shots that each traveled 513 feet. Soto’s homer reached the second deck in right center and was greeted by a section of wildly delighted–and disbelieving–fans.

Hey don’t forget about me! I’m exhausted too! Mets bench coach Dave Jauss, 64-years old and high-minded courtesy of his Amherst education, pitched gopher balls to Alonso through three rounds, and based on the prodigious totals, did an incredible job. Jauss is the son of Bill Jauss, the well-known sportswriter for the Chicago Tribune. He’s also an older, but successful, parent: his son, D.J. was drafted in the MLB Draft in 2014.

And the winner? Alonso made it back-to-back titles hitting 23 homers in the final round to best Mancini. Alonso thoroughly enjoyed the moment, spinning his gaudy Derby Champ necklace presented by Ken Griffey Jr. and pounding his chest until he was heartily greeted by Mancini. Alonso became only the fourth contestant to win the Derby twice. Yoenis Cespedes was the last to win back-to-back in 2015.

Alonso’s Derby Debut a Dandy: Mets slugger outlasts Vlad Jr. in epic Home Run Derby

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By Morris Phillips

CLEVELAND — Imagine a village of Paul Bunyans, each man equipped with tree trunk legs, bulging biceps and granite necks.

Yes, in that environment, Mets rookie Pete Alonso might not stand out.

But in home run derby featuring mere mortal, major league sluggers doing their thing in the presence of a jacked up, sold out crowd at Progressive Field on Monday, Alonso stood out in a major way, by methodically and decisively taking control of the T Mobile Home Run Derby one blast at a time.

“You’ve got to go in with kind of a killer instinct. It doesn’t matter how many you hit, you just need to have one more than the guy you’re at,” Alonso said.

Alonso’s focused approach was a necessity in the presence of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who thrilled the Cleveland fans with 91 total home runs–34 more than Alonso hit–a feat so prodigious and taxing, that 20-year old had little left in the contest’s last minute, falling one homer short of matching Alonso in the final round.

Both the 24-year old Alonso and Guerrero earned more than they will make as rookies this season for the Mets and Blue Jays with Alonso capturing the $1 million first place prize.

Not only did Guerrero equal his salary by capturing the second place prize money of approximately $500,000, he validated the contest’s selection process that tabbed him despite the fact he’s homered just eight times in first 61 major league games.

Guerrero decimated Oakland’s Matt Chapman 29-13 in the first round before outlasting the Dodgers’ Joc Pederson in an epic second round, 40-39. His battle with Pederson required two swingoffs to break ties and separate the sluggers.

At one point in his battle with Pederson, Guerrero homered 19 times in 25 swings. The feat was reminiscent of Josh Hamilton’s epic derby at Boston’s Fenway Park in which he homered 28 times in a span of 38 pitches. In both cases, the crowds howled with appreciation.

But in the end, Guerrero didn’t have enough to outlast Alonso.

“I’m happy I didn’t face him in the early rounds because he would’ve knocked me out,” Alonso said of Guerrero. “I gotta tip my cap. He’s a hell of a hitter, and he’s gonna have a really long career.”

“I got tired, but that’s not why I lost. There are no excuses,” Guerrero conceded. “He hit more home runs than me and he won.”

While Guerrero peppered the left field stands with his home runs, Alonso with his powerful base, sprayed homers from foul line to foul line. Alonso also maintained a relaxed motion, rarely repositioning his feet between swings, and as much as could, conserving energy.

In the end, it was the exact approach he needed to get past hometown slugger Carlos Santana in the opening round, and Ronald Acuna Jr. in the semis.

“I’m happy that I was able to conserve as much energy throughout the event, and that was huge,” Alonso said.