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Home Run Derby

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Home Run Derby
Giancarlo Stanton poses with the trophy for winning the 2016 Home Run Derby.
FrequencyAnnual
LocationVaries (site of MLB All-Star Game)
Inaugurated1985
Most recentJuly 15, 2024 (Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas)
Next eventJuly 2025 (Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia)
Current championTeoscar Hernandez
Current runner-upBobby Witt Jr.
ParticipantsAmerican League and National League baseball players
Organized byMajor League Baseball

The Home Run Derby is an annual home run hitting competition in Major League Baseball (MLB) customarily held the day before the MLB All-Star Game, which places the contest on a Monday in July. In the context of the competition a "home run" consists of hitting a baseball in fair territory out of the playing field on the fly. It differs from a home run hit during legal gameplay in that the batter is not competing against a pitcher and a defensive team attempting to make an out. In the Home Run Derby, all pitches are purposefully thrown slowly and at a closer range than the official 60 feet 6 inches (18.44 m) distance, usually by a coach behind a pitching screen. In addition, like batting practice, the batter remains in the batter's box after each swing and does not run, nor circle the bases to score a run. In 2023, Julio Rodríguez set the single-round home run record with 41 homers, topping Vladimir Guerrero’s 40 home runs in 2019.

The batter also does not have to conform to the usual league uniform standards, and as all pitches are tossed in the strike zone without any threat of beanballs, may choose to wear a regular baseball cap instead of a batting helmet. As the event traditionally takes place at sunset where the sun is of no factor to the batter, they can choose to wear their hat casually and backwards.

Since the inaugural derby in 1985, the event has seen several rule changes, evolving from a short-outs-based competition to multiple rounds, and eventually a bracket-style timed event.

T-Mobile has been the title sponsor of the Home Run Derby since 2021.

History

[edit]
2008 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby

The inspiration for the event was a 1960 TV series called Home Run Derby. The televised event included baseball legends Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays. The show ran for 26 episodes with the winner receiving $2,000.[1]

The event has grown significantly from its roots in the 1980s, when it was not televised. Prior to 1991, the Home Run Derby was structured as a two-inning event with each player receiving five outs per inning, allowing for the possibility of ties. It is now one of the most-watched events broadcast on ESPN.[2][3][4]

In 2000, a "match play"-style format was instituted for the second round. The player with the most home runs in the first round faced the player with the least among the four qualifying players, as did the players with the second- and third-most totals. The contestant who won each matchup advanced to the finals. This format was discontinued after the 2003 competition.

The field of players selected currently consists of four American League players and four National League players. The first Derby in 1985 featured five from each league, and the 1986 and 1987 events featured three and two players from each league, respectively. In 1996, the field was again expanded to ten players, with five from each league (though in 1997, the AL had six contestants to the NL's four).

In 2000, the field reverted to the current four-player-per-league format. The only exception was in 2005, when Major League Baseball changed the selection criteria so that eight players represented their home countries instead of their respective leagues. The change was believed to be in promotion of the inaugural World Baseball Classic, played in March 2006.[citation needed] In 2006, the selection of four players from each league resumed. In 2011, the format was revised so that team captains selected the individual sides.[citation needed]

For the first time in Derby history, Shohei Ohtani became both the first pitcher and the first Japanese player to participate in 2021.[5]

Some notable performances in the Derby include Bobby Abreu in 2005, who won the Derby with a then-record 41 homers, including a then-record 24 in the first round. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. broke the first-round record in 2019 with 29 home runs. He broke that record in the following round, hitting 40 home runs in 2 tiebreakers. The previous overall record was set in 2016 by Giancarlo Stanton, who finished with a total of 61 home runs, defeating Todd Frazier in the final round. The current overall record is held by Guerrero Jr. at a mark of 91, set in 2019. Only three participants, Yoenis Céspedes, Stanton, and Pete Alonso, have won the Home Run Derby without being selected to the All-Star Game.[6] Alonso broke Guerrero's first-round record in 2021 with 35 homers on his way to his second straight Derby Title (the first being in 2019 with a final round win over Guerrero).

With his win in 2023, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. joined his father Vladimir Guerrero (the 2007 winner) as the first father-son duo to win the Derby.

Overview

[edit]

Format

[edit]

Eight players duel in a home run challenge.

1985–1990

[edit]

In the early years of the Home Run Derby, 4–10 players from both the AL and NL were selected to participate. Each player was given two "innings" to hit as many home runs as possible before reaching five outs. For the derby, an out is defined as any swing that is not a home run. The winner of the contest was the player with the most total home runs in the two innings.

1991–2005

[edit]

Beginning in 1991, the format changed to a 3-round contest. From 1991 to 2006, 8–10 players were selected and hit as many home runs as possible before reaching 10 outs in each round. The tally reset for each round, with the top four advancing to the second round, and the top two advancing to the final.

In honor of the World Baseball Classic, the 2005 contest featured eight players from different countries. The format remained the same.

2006–2013

[edit]

The format changed slightly in 2006. Instead of the tally resetting for each round, it was only reset before the final round. Therefore, the players with the four highest totals after Round 1 advanced to Round 2, and the players with the two highest sums of Round 1 and 2 advanced to the finals.

2014

[edit]

The Home Run Derby format was changed significantly in 2014, as MLB sought to speed up the contest and increase the drama. In the new bracket format, five players from each league faced the other players in their league in Round 1, with each players having seven "outs". The player in each league with the highest Round 1 total received a second-round bye, and the players with the second- and third-highest Round 1 totals from each league faced off. The Round 2 winner from each league faced the Round 1 winner, and the Round 3 winner crowned the league winner. The final featured the winner of each league. Each round stands alone, with the score reset for each round.[7] Ties in any round are broken by a 3-swing swing-off. If the players remain tied, the players engage in a sudden-death swing-off until one player homers.[8]

2015–2019, 2021–2023

[edit]

The format was changed once again in 2015. The most significant change was the elimination of "outs", which was replaced by a time limit. Eight players are seeded based on their season home run totals and are given five minutes to hit as many home runs as possible. The winner of each head-to-head matchup advances, until a final winner is determined. If a tie occurs in any match-up, two sets of tiebreakers are employed: first, a 1-minute swing-off decides the winner; thereafter, multiple swingoffs of 3 swings until a winner is determined. Further, a player can get "bonus time" in the last minute of each round. During that time, the clock would stop for each home run, and would not restart until a swing does not result in a home run. Additional bonus time could be earned for distance. Players who hit at least two home runs measuring at least 420 feet (128.0 m) are given an extra minute of bonus time. An additional 30 seconds of bonus time is granted if at least one home run measures over 475 feet (144.8 m).[9]

Weather concerns in 2015 led to a reduction in time from five minutes per round to four minutes. The clock was not stopped in the final minute, and one minute of bonus time was granted only for hitting two home runs of at least 425 feet (129.5 m).[10]

The four-minute round length was made permanent in 2016, while the minute of bonus time was reduced to 30 seconds and required two home runs of at least 440 feet (134.1 m). The additional time was removed.[11] Each batter is allowed one time-out during each round, and two in the finals.

For 2017 and 2018, the first tie-breaker was increased from a 1-minute swing off to 1+12 minutes. However, it was not needed in either of these years. The swing-off reverted to one minute in 2019, the first year in which it was used.

In 2021, the time limit was changed to three minutes plus a bonus of thirty seconds, with an additional thirty seconds of bonus time (for a total of one minute) added if a player hit a home run over 475 feet during regulation. In case of a tie, the contestants get one additional minute. If there still is a tie, each contestant gets three swings and repeats on ties thereafter. In the final round, the finalists get two minutes.

In 2022, the additional bonus time requirements reverted back to two home runs of at least 440 feet. Separate from the regular home run derby, if the 2022 All-Star Game itself had been tied after nine innings, a second home run derby would have been held to determine the winner. This derby would have been under somewhat different rules. It would not be timed, and each manager would pick three players to make three swings each to hit as many home runs as possible. If the tie persisted, extra players would have had triple-swing rounds until one team outslugged the other, with the winner getting a run and hit credited.[12] A similar format would have been used in 2023 if the All-Star Game was tied after nine innings.[13]

Since 2024

[edit]

The format was revised prior to the 2024 event. The first round has reverted back to an open round, where the top four competitors advance. They now have three minutes, or 40 pitches, to hit as many home runs as possible. During this run, the hitters are entitled to one 30-second timeout. After their initial run ends, the hitters go into a new, un-timed "bonus period", where they attempt to hit as many home runs as possible before making three outs (any swing that is not a home run). During this period, if a competitor hits a home run that travels over 425 feet (129.5 m), they earn an additional out to work with. Ties are broken by the distance of the longest home run; otherwise, if both players tie, a one-minute playoff, and if needed, multiple three-swing rounds to decide it.

The second round is a bracket-style round, where the competitors are seeded based on their performance in the previous round. The winners of their respective head-to-head matchup advance to the finals. The rules for the round remain the same, with the tiebreaker rules from the previous format remaining as well.

The final round remains largely the same, except for the time limit reducing to two minutes and the pitch limit reducing to 27 pitches. Whoever hits the most home runs in the round is declared champion; otherwise, players go into a one-minute playoff, and if needed, multiple three-swing rounds to decide it.[14][15]

Gold balls

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From 2005 to 2013, a gold ball has been used once a player reaches nine outs (in 2014 when the T-Mobile Ball came into play, six; since 2015, during the final minute). If a batter hit a home run using the golden ball, Century 21 Real Estate and Major League Baseball would donate $21,000 (a reference to the "21" in "Century 21") per home run to charity (MLB donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and Century 21 donated to Easter Seals). In both 2005 and 2006, $294,000 was raised for the charities, equaling fourteen golden ball home runs per year. State Farm continued this in 2007 as they designated $17,000 per home run (one dollar for each of State Farm's agencies), to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. In the 2007 event, fifteen golden balls were hit for a donation of $255,000, and ten ($170,000) were hit in the 2008 event. For 2009, State Farm added $5,000 for all non-Gold Ball homers, and $517,000 was collected. For 2010, the non-Gold Ball homer was reduced to $3,000 per home run and a total of $453,000 was collected. Since 2014 any homer hit off a magenta T-Mobile Ball resulted in a $10,000 donation to charity by T-Mobile and MLB, to Team Rubicon.

Television and radio coverage

[edit]

On July 11, 1988, the day before the Major League Baseball All-Star Game from Cincinnati, TBS televised the annual All-Star Gala[16] from the Cincinnati Zoo. Larry King hosted the broadcast with Craig Sager and Pete Van Wieren handling interviews. The broadcast's big draw would have been the Home Run Derby, which TBS intended on taping during the afternoon, and later airing it in prime time during the Gala coverage. Unfortunately, the derby and a skills competition were canceled due to rain.

The derby was first nationally televised by ESPN in 1993 on a same-day delayed basis,[17] with the first live telecast in 1998. Although two hours are scheduled in programming listings for the telecast, it has rarely ever been contained to the timeslot and consistently runs three to four hours. Chris Berman has gained notoriety for his annual hosting duties on ESPN, including his catchphrase, "Back back back...Gone!". Berman starts this phrase when the ball is hit, and does not say "Gone!" until the ball lands.

The 2008 Derby was the year's most highly rated basic cable program.[18]

Because of the game's TV popularity, invited players have felt pressure to participate. Notably, Ken Griffey Jr. initially quietly declined to take part in 1998, partly due to ESPN scheduling the Mariners in their late Sunday game the night before. After a discussion with ESPN's Joe Morgan and another with Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, Griffey changed his mind, and then won the Derby at Coors Field.[19]

In Spanish, the event is televised on Spanish language network ESPN Deportes.[20] An alternate broadcast featuring live Statcast analytics has been carried on ESPN2 since the 2019 edition.[21]

ESPN Radio also carries the event annually.[22]

Most watched Home Run Derbies

[edit]
Rank Year Winner Ballpark Viewers (millions)[23]
1 2008 Justin Morneau Yankee Stadium 9.1
2 2017 Aaron Judge Marlins Park 8.6
3 2009 Prince Fielder Busch Stadium 8.3
4 2004 Miguel Tejada Minute Maid Park 7.7
5 2002 Jason Giambi Miller Park 7.7
6 2021 Pete Alonso Coors Field 7.1
7 2015 Todd Frazier Great American Ball Park 7.1
8 2012 Prince Fielder Kauffman Stadium 6.9
9 2007 Vladimir Guerrero Sr. AT&T Park 6.8
10 2006 Ryan Howard PNC Park 6.8

Winners

[edit]
Prince Fielder accepting his second trophy in 2012
Key
^
Indicates multiple winners in the same year
Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame
*
Player not selected for the MLB All-Star Game
Year Winner Team League Stadium (host team)
1985 Dave Parker Cincinnati Reds NL Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (MIN)
1986^ Wally Joyner California Angels AL Astrodome (HOU)
Darryl Strawberry New York Mets NL
1987 Andre Dawson Chicago Cubs NL Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum (OAK)
1988 Cancelled
1989^ Eric Davis Cincinnati Reds NL Anaheim Stadium (CAL)
Rubén Sierra Texas Rangers AL
1990 Ryne Sandberg Chicago Cubs NL Wrigley Field (CHC)
1991 Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles AL SkyDome (TOR)
1992 Mark McGwire Oakland Athletics AL Jack Murphy Stadium (SD)
1993 Juan González Texas Rangers AL Oriole Park at Camden Yards (BAL)
1994 Ken Griffey Jr. (1) Seattle Mariners AL Three Rivers Stadium (PIT)
1995 Frank Thomas Chicago White Sox AL The Ballpark in Arlington (TEX)
1996 Barry Bonds San Francisco Giants NL Veterans Stadium (PHI)
1997 Tino Martinez New York Yankees AL Jacobs Field (CLE)
1998 Ken Griffey Jr. (2) Seattle Mariners AL Coors Field (COL)
1999 Ken Griffey Jr. (3) Fenway Park (BOS)
2000 Sammy Sosa Chicago Cubs NL Turner Field (ATL)
2001 Luis Gonzalez Arizona Diamondbacks NL Safeco Field (SEA)
2002 Jason Giambi New York Yankees AL Miller Park (MIL)
2003 Garret Anderson Anaheim Angels AL U.S. Cellular Field (CWS)
2004 Miguel Tejada Baltimore Orioles AL Minute Maid Park (HOU)
2005 Bobby Abreu Philadelphia Phillies NL Comerica Park (DET)
2006 Ryan Howard Philadelphia Phillies NL PNC Park (PIT)
2007 Vladimir Guerrero Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim AL AT&T Park (SF)
2008 Justin Morneau Minnesota Twins AL Yankee Stadium (NYY)
2009 Prince Fielder (1) Milwaukee Brewers NL Busch Stadium (STL)
2010 David Ortiz Boston Red Sox AL Angel Stadium (LAA)
2011 Robinson Canó New York Yankees AL Chase Field (AZ)
2012 Prince Fielder (2) Detroit Tigers AL Kauffman Stadium (KC)
2013 Yoenis Céspedes (1)* Oakland Athletics AL Citi Field (NYM)
2014 Yoenis Céspedes (2) Target Field (MIN)
2015 Todd Frazier Cincinnati Reds NL Great American Ball Park (CIN)
2016 Giancarlo Stanton* Miami Marlins NL Petco Park (SD)
2017 Aaron Judge New York Yankees AL Marlins Park (MIA)
2018 Bryce Harper Washington Nationals NL Nationals Park (WSH)
2019 Pete Alonso (1) New York Mets NL Progressive Field (CLE)
2020 Cancelled[24]
2021 Pete Alonso (2)* New York Mets NL Coors Field (COL)
2022 Juan Soto Washington Nationals NL Dodger Stadium (LAD)
2023

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Toronto Blue Jays AL T-Mobile Park (SEA)
2024 Teoscar Hernández Los Angeles Dodgers NL Globe Life Field (TEX)

Records

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Most home runs in a single round

[edit]

Note: these numbers include swingoffs.

Rank Player Team Round Total
1 Julio Rodríguez Seattle Mariners 2023 First Round 41
2 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Toronto Blue Jays 2019 Second Round 40
3 Joc Pederson Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 Second Round 39
4 Pete Alonso New York Mets 2021 First Round 35
Randy Arozarena Tampa Bay Rays 2023 Second Round
5 Julio Rodríguez Seattle Mariners 2022 First Round 32

Most single-derby home runs

[edit]

Note: these numbers include swingoffs.

Rank Player Team Year Total
1 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Toronto Blue Jays 2019 91
2 Randy Arozarena Tampa Bay Rays 2023 82
3 Julio Rodríguez Seattle Mariners 2022 81
4 Pete Alonso New York Mets 2021 74
5 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Toronto Blue Jays 2023 72
6 Julio Rodríguez Seattle Mariners 2023 61
6 Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins 2016 61
8 Joc Pederson Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 60
9 Trey Mancini Baltimore Orioles 2021 59
10 Pete Alonso New York Mets 2019 57

Most all-time home runs

[edit]

Note: these numbers include swingoffs.

Rank Player Team(s) Year(s) Total
1 Pete Alonso New York Mets 2019, 2021–2024 207
2 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Toronto Blue Jays 2019, 2023 163
3 Julio Rodríguez Seattle Mariners 2022, 2023 142
4 Albert Pujols St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels 2003, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2022 106
5 Joc Pederson Los Angeles Dodgers 2015, 2019 99
Juan Soto Washington Nationals 2021, 2022
7 Todd Frazier Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox 2014–2016 91
8 Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins 2014, 2016, 2017 83
9 Randy Arozarena Tampa Bay Rays 2023 82
10 Prince Fielder Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers 2009, 2012 81
11 David Ortiz Boston Red Sox 2004–2006, 2010, 2011 77

Wins by team

[edit]
Rank Team Wins Years
1 New York Yankees 4 1997, 2002, 2011, 2017
2 Los Angeles Angels 3 1986*, 2003, 2007
Oakland Athletics 1992, 2013, 2014
Chicago Cubs 1987, 1990, 2000
Seattle Mariners 1994, 1998, 1999
Cincinnati Reds 1985, 1989*, 2015
New York Mets 1986*, 2019, 2021
8 Baltimore Orioles 2 1991, 2004
Philadelphia Phillies 2005, 2006
Texas Rangers 1989*, 1993
Washington Nationals 2018, 2022
12 Chicago White Sox 1 1995
San Francisco Giants 1996
Arizona Diamondbacks 2001
Minnesota Twins 2008
Milwaukee Brewers 2009
Boston Red Sox 2010
Detroit Tigers 2012
Miami Marlins 2016
Toronto Blue Jays 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers 2024
*In 1986, Wally Joyner of the California Angels and Darryl Strawberry of the New York Mets were declared co-champions.
*In 1989, Eric Davis of the Cincinnati Reds and Ruben Sierra of the Texas Rangers were declared co-champions.

Complete scoreboard

[edit]
Key
Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame

1980s

[edit]
The Metrodome, Minneapolis—A.L. 17, N.L. 16
Player Team Home runs
American League
Jim Rice Boston 4
Eddie Murray Baltimore 4
Carlton Fisk Chicago 4
Tom Brunansky Minnesota 4
Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore 1
National League
Dave Parker Cincinnati 6
Dale Murphy Atlanta 4
Steve Garvey San Diego 2
Ryne Sandberg Chicago 2
Jack Clark St. Louis 2
Astrodome, Houston—N.L. 8, A.L. 7
Player Team Home runs
American League
Wally Joyner California 4
Jesse Barfield Toronto 2
Jose Canseco Oakland 1
National League
Darryl Strawberry New York 4
Dave Parker Cincinnati 3
Hubie Brooks Montreal 1
Oakland Coliseum, Oakland—N.L. 6, A.L. 2
Player Team Home runs
American League
George Bell Toronto 1
Mark McGwire Oakland 1
National League
Andre Dawson Chicago 4
Ozzie Virgil Jr. Atlanta 2

Home Run Derby canceled due to rain.

Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim—N.L. 9, A.L. 5
Player Team Home runs
American League
Rubén Sierra Texas 3
Mickey Tettleton Baltimore 1
Bo Jackson Kansas City 1
Gary Gaetti Minnesota 0
National League
Eric Davis Cincinnati 3
Glenn Davis Houston 2
Howard Johnson New York 2
Kevin Mitchell San Francisco 2

1990s

[edit]
Wrigley Field, Chicago—N.L. 4, A.L. 1
Player Team Home runs
American League
Mark McGwire Oakland 1
Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle 0
Jose Canseco Oakland 0
Cecil Fielder Detroit 0
National League
Ryne Sandberg Chicago 3
Matt Williams San Francisco 1
Bobby Bonilla Pittsburgh 0
Darryl Strawberry New York 0
SkyDome, Toronto—A.L. 20, N.L. 7
Player Team Home runs
American League
Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore 12
Cecil Fielder Detroit 4
Joe Carter Toronto 2
Danny Tartabull Kansas City 2
National League
Paul O'Neill Cincinnati 5
George Bell Chicago 2
Chris Sabo Cincinnati 0
Howard Johnson New York 0
Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego—A.L. 27, N.L. 13
Player Team Home runs
American League
Mark McGwire Oakland 12
Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle 7
Joe Carter Toronto 4
Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore 4
National League
Larry Walker Montreal 4
Gary Sheffield San Diego 4
Fred McGriff San Diego 3
Barry Bonds Pittsburgh 2
Camden Yards, Baltimore—A.L. 20, N.L. 12
Player Team Home runs
American League
Juan González Texas 7
Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle 7 *
Cecil Fielder Detroit 4
Albert Belle Cleveland 3
National League
Barry Bonds San Francisco 5
Bobby Bonilla New York 5
David Justice Atlanta 2
Mike Piazza Los Angeles 0

* Lost in playoff to Gonzalez

Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh—A.L. 17, N.L. 11
Player Team Home runs
American League
Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle 7
Rubén Sierra Oakland 4
Frank Thomas Chicago 4
Albert Belle Cleveland 2
National League
Fred McGriff Atlanta 5
Jeff Bagwell Houston 3
Dante Bichette Colorado 3
Mike Piazza Los Angeles 0
The Ballpark in Arlington, Arlington—A.L. 40, N.L. 12
Player Team Home runs
American League
Frank Thomas Chicago 15 *
Albert Belle Cleveland 16
Mo Vaughn Boston 6
Manny Ramirez Cleveland 3
National League
Ron Gant Cincinnati 6
Sammy Sosa Chicago 2
Reggie Sanders Cincinnati 2
Raúl Mondesí Los Angeles 2

* Beat Belle in finals

Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia—A.L. 36, N.L. 23
Player Team Home runs
American League
Mark McGwire Oakland 15
Brady Anderson Baltimore 11
Jay Buhner Seattle 8
Joe Carter Toronto 2
Greg Vaughn Milwaukee 0
National League
Barry Bonds San Francisco 17
Henry Rodríguez Montreal 3
Jeff Bagwell Houston 2
Ellis Burks Colorado 1
Gary Sheffield Florida 0
Jacobs Field, Cleveland—A.L. 32, N.L. 29
Player Team Home runs
American League
Tino Martinez New York 16 *
Mark McGwire Oakland 7
Brady Anderson Baltimore 4
Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle 3
Nomar Garciaparra Boston 0
Jim Thome Cleveland 0
National League
Larry Walker Colorado 19
Jeff Bagwell Houston 5
Chipper Jones Atlanta 3
Ray Lankford St. Louis 2

* Beat Walker in finals

Coors Field, Denver—A.L. 53, N.L. 29
Player Team Home runs
American League
Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle 19
Rafael Palmeiro Baltimore 10
Jim Thome Cleveland 17
Alex Rodriguez Seattle 5
Damion Easley Detroit 2
National League
Vinny Castilla Colorado 12
Moisés Alou Houston 7
Javy López Atlanta 5
Mark McGwire St. Louis 4
Chipper Jones Atlanta 1
Fenway Park, Boston—N.L. 39, A.L. 23
Player Team Home runs
American League
Ken Griffey Jr. Seattle 16
Nomar Garciaparra Boston 2
B. J. Surhoff Baltimore 2
Shawn Green Toronto 2
John Jaha Oakland 1
National League
Jeromy Burnitz Milwaukee 14
Mark McGwire St. Louis 16 *
Jeff Bagwell Houston 6
Larry Walker Colorado 2
Sammy Sosa Chicago 1

* Lost to Burnitz in round 2

2000s

[edit]
Turner Field, Atlanta—N.L. 41, A.L. 21
Player Team Round 1 Semis Finals Total
Sammy Sosa Cubs 6 11 9 26
Ken Griffey Jr. Reds 6 3 2 11
Carl Everett Red Sox 6 6 12
Carlos Delgado Blue Jays 5 1 6
Edgar Martínez Mariners 2 2
Chipper Jones Braves 2 2
Vladimir Guerrero Expos 2 2
Iván Rodríguez Rangers 1 1
Semifinals Finals
      
1 3
4 Carlos Delgado 1
1 2
3 Sammy Sosa 9
2 Carl Everett 6
3 Sammy Sosa 11
Safeco Field, Seattle—N.L. 41, A.L. 25
Player Team Round 1 Semis Finals Totals
Luis Gonzalez Diamondbacks 5 5 6 16
Sammy Sosa Cubs 3 8 2 13
Jason Giambi Athletics 14 6 20
Barry Bonds Giants 7 3 10
Bret Boone Mariners 3 3
Todd Helton Rockies 2 2
Alex Rodriguez Rangers 2 2
Troy Glaus Angels 0 0
Semifinals Finals
      
1 Jason Giambi 6
4 Sammy Sosa 8
4 Sammy Sosa 2
3 Luis Gonzalez 6
2 Barry Bonds 3
3 Luis Gonzalez 5
Miller Park, Milwaukee—A.L. 42, N.L. 31
Player Team Round 1 Semis Finals Totals
Jason Giambi Yankees 11 6 7 24
Sammy Sosa Cubs 12 5 1 18
Paul Konerko White Sox 6 6 12
Richie Sexson Brewers 6 4 10
Torii Hunter Twins 3 3
Barry Bonds Giants 2 2
Alex Rodriguez Rangers 2 2
Lance Berkman Astros 1 1
Semifinals Finals
      
1 Sammy Sosa 5
4 Richie Sexson 4
1 Jason Giambi 7
2 Sammy Sosa 1
2 Jason Giambi 7
3 Paul Konerko 6

* Giambi defeated Konerko in a swing off

U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago—A.L. 47, N.L. 39
Player Team Round 1 Semis Finals Total
Garret Anderson Angels 7 6 9 22
Albert Pujols Cardinals 4 14 8 26
Jason Giambi Yankees 12 11 23
Jim Edmonds Cardinals 4 4 8
Gary Sheffield Braves 4 4
Carlos Delgado Blue Jays 2 3
Richie Sexson Brewers 1 1
Bret Boone Mariners 0 0
Semifinals Finals
      
1 Jason Giambi 11
4 Albert Pujols 14
4 Albert Pujols 8
2 Garret Anderson 9
2 Garret Anderson 6
3 Jim Edmonds 4
Minute Maid Park, Houston—A.L. 47, N.L. 41
Player Team Round 1 Semis Finals Total
Miguel Tejada Orioles 7 15 5 27
Lance Berkman Astros 7 10 4 21
Rafael Palmeiro Orioles 9 5 14
Barry Bonds Giants 8 3 11
Sammy Sosa Cubs 5 5
Jim Thome Phillies 4 4
Hank Blalock Rangers 3 3
David Ortiz Red Sox 3 3
Comerica Park, Detroit—N.L. 66, A.L. 42
Player Home Country Team Round 1 Semis Finals Totals
Bobby Abreu Venezuela Phillies 24 6 11 41*
Iván Rodríguez Puerto Rico Tigers 7 8 5 20
David Ortiz Dominican Republic Red Sox 17 3 20
Carlos Lee Panama Brewers 11 4 15
Hee-seop Choi South Korea Dodgers 5 5
Andruw Jones Netherlands Braves 5 5
Mark Teixeira USA Rangers 2 2
Jason Bay Canada Pirates 0 0

* Total rounds record.

PNC Park, Pittsburgh—N.L. 62, A.L. 24
Player Team Round 1 Round 2 Subtotal Finals Total
Ryan Howard Phillies 8 10 18 5 23
David Wright Mets 16 2 18 4 22
Miguel Cabrera Marlins 9 6 15 15
David Ortiz Red Sox 10 3 13 13
Jermaine Dye White Sox 7 7 7
Lance Berkman Astros 3 3 3
Miguel Tejada Orioles 3 3 3
Troy Glaus Blue Jays 1 1 1
AT&T Park, San Francisco—A.L. 42, N.L. 32
Player Team Round 1 Round 2 Subtotal Finals Total
Vladimir Guerrero Angels 5 9 14 3a 17
Alex Ríos Blue Jays 5 12 17 2 19
Matt Holliday Rockies 5 8 13 13
Albert Pujols Cardinals 4 (2) 9 13 13
Justin Morneau Twins 4 (1) 4 4
Prince Fielder Brewers 3 3 3
Ryan Howard Phillies 3 3 3
Magglio Ordóñez Tigers 2 2 2

Notes:
^a Recorded only seven of ten outs before hitting winning home run.
Italicized numbers denote swing-offs.

Yankee Stadium, New York—A.L. 66, N.L. 39
Player Team Round 1 Round 2 Subtotal Finals Total
Justin Morneau Twins 8 9 17 5 22
Josh Hamilton Rangers 28a 4b 32 3 35
Lance Berkman Astros 8 6 14 14
Ryan Braun Brewers 7 7 14 14
Dan Uggla Marlins 6 6 6
Grady Sizemore Indians 6 6 6
Chase Utley Phillies 5 5 5
Evan Longoria Rays 3 3 3

Notes:
^a New single round record.
^b Voluntarily ended round with four outs.

Busch Stadium, St. Louis—N.L. 51, A.L. 31
Player Team Round 1 Round 2 Subtotal Finals Total
Prince Fielder Brewers 11 6 17 6 23
Nelson Cruz Rangers 11 5 16 5 21
Ryan Howard Phillies 7 8 15 15
Albert Pujols Cardinals 5 (2) 6 11 11
Carlos Peña Rays 5 (1) 5 5
Joe Mauer Twins 5 (0) 5 5
Adrián González Padres 2 2 2
Brandon Inge Tigers 0 0 0

Notes:
Italicized numbers denote swing-offs.

2010s

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Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim—A.L. 50, N.L. 45
Player Team Round 1 Round 2 Subtotal Finals Total
David Ortiz Red Sox 8 13 21 11 32
Hanley Ramírez Marlins 9 12 21 5 26
Corey Hart Brewers 13 0 13 13
Miguel Cabrera Tigers 7 5 12 12
Matt Holliday Cardinals 5 5 5
Nick Swisher Yankees 4 4 4
Vernon Wells Blue Jays 2 2 2
Chris Young Diamondbacks 1 1 1
Chase Field, Phoenix—A.L. 76, N.L. 19
Player Team Round 1 Round 2 Subtotal Finals Total
Robinson Canó Yankees 8 12 20 12 32
Adrián González Red Sox 9 11 20 11 31
Prince Fielder Brewers 5 (5) 4 9 9
David Ortiz Red Sox 5 (4) 4 9 9
Matt Holliday Cardinals 5 (2) 5 5
José Bautista Blue Jays 4 4 4
Rickie Weeks Jr. Brewers 3 3 3
Matt Kemp Dodgers 2 2 2

Notes:
Italicized numbers denote swing-offs.

Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City—A.L. 61, N.L. 21
Player Team Round 1 Round 2 Subtotal Finals Total
Prince Fielder Tigers 5 11 16 12 28
José Bautista Blue Jays 11 2 13 (2) 7 20
Mark Trumbo Angels 7 6 13 (1) 13
Carlos Beltrán Cardinals 7 5 12 12
Carlos González Rockies 4 4 4
Andrew McCutchen Pirates 4 4 4
Matt Kemp Dodgers 1 1 1
Robinson Canó Yankees 0 0 0

Notes:
Italicized numbers denote swing-offs.

Citi Field, New York—A.L. 53, N.L. 50
Player Team Round 1 Round 2 Subtotal Finals Total
Yoenis Céspedes Athletics 17 6 23 9a 32
Bryce Harper Nationals 8 8 16 8 24
Michael Cuddyer Rockies 7 8 15 15
Chris Davis Orioles 8 4 12 12
Pedro Álvarez Pirates 6 6 6
Prince Fielder Tigers 5 5 5
David Wright Mets 5 5 5
Robinson Canó Yankees 4 4 4

Note:
^a Recorded only five of ten outs before hitting winning home run.

Target Field, Minneapolis — A.L. 54, N.L. 24
American League
Player Team Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Finals Total
Yoenis Céspedes Athletics 3 (2) 9 7 9 28
José Bautista Blue Jays 10 * 4 14
Adam Jones Orioles 4 3 7
Josh Donaldson Athletics 3 (1) 3
Brian Dozier Twins 2 2
National League
Player Team Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Finals Total
Todd Frazier Reds 2 (1) 6 1 1 10
Giancarlo Stanton Marlins 6 * 0 6
Troy Tulowitzki Rockies 4 2 6
Justin Morneau Rockies 2 (0) 2
Yasiel Puig Dodgers 0 0

* designates bye round.
(designates swing off home runs).

Round 2 Round 3 (Semifinals) Finals
         
1 José Bautista 4
American League
3 Yoenis Céspedes 7
2 Adam Jones 3
3 Yoenis Céspedes 9
3 Yoenis Céspedes 9
3 Todd Frazier 1
1 Giancarlo Stanton 0
National League
3 Todd Frazier 1
2 Troy Tulowitzki 2
3 Todd Frazier 6
Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals
         
1 Albert Pujols (LAA) 10
8 Kris Bryant (CHC) 9
1 Albert Pujols 11
4 Joc Pederson 12
4 Joc Pederson (LAD) 13
5 Manny Machado (BAL) 12
4 Joc Pederson 14
2 Todd Frazier 15
3 Josh Donaldson (TOR) 9
6 Anthony Rizzo (CHC) 8
3 Josh Donaldson 9
2 Todd Frazier 10
2 Todd Frazier (CIN) 14
7 Prince Fielder (TEX) 13
Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals
         
1 Mark Trumbo (BAL) 16
8 Corey Seager (LAD) 15
1 Mark Trumbo 14
5 Giancarlo Stanton 17
4 Robinson Canó (SEA) 7
5 Giancarlo Stanton (MIA) 24
5 Giancarlo Stanton 20
2 Todd Frazier 13
3 Adam Duvall (CIN) 11
6 Wil Myers (SD) 10
3 Adam Duvall 15
2 Todd Frazier 16
2 Todd Frazier (CWS) 13
7 Carlos González (COL) 12
Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals
         
1 Giancarlo Stanton (MIA) 16
8 Gary Sánchez (NYY) 17
8 Gary Sánchez 10
5 Miguel Sanó 11
4 Mike Moustakas (KC) 10
5 Miguel Sanó (MIN) 11
5 Miguel Sanó 10
2 Aaron Judge 11
3 Cody Bellinger (LAD) 15
6 Charlie Blackmon (COL) 14
3 Cody Bellinger 12
2 Aaron Judge 13
2 Aaron Judge (NYY) 23
7 Justin Bour (MIA) 22
Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals
         
1 Jesús Aguilar (MIL) 12
8 Rhys Hoskins (PHI) 17
8 Rhys Hoskins 20
5 Kyle Schwarber 21
4 Alex Bregman (HOU) 15
5 Kyle Schwarber (CHC) 16
5 Kyle Schwarber 18
2 Bryce Harper 19
3 Max Muncy (LAD) 17
6 Javier Báez (CHC) 16
3 Max Muncy 12
2 Bryce Harper 13
2 Bryce Harper (WAS) 13
7 Freddie Freeman (ATL) 12
Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals
         
1 Matt Chapman (OAK) 13
8 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) 29
8 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 40*
5 Joc Pederson 39
4 Alex Bregman (HOU) 16
5 Joc Pederson (LAD) 21
8 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 22
2 Pete Alonso 23
3 Josh Bell (PIT) 18
6 Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL) 25
6 Ronald Acuña Jr. 19
2 Pete Alonso 20
2 Pete Alonso (NYM) 14
7 Carlos Santana (CLE) 13

* Round went into three swing-offs after Guerrero Jr. and Pederson were tied with 29 home runs each.

2020s

[edit]

2020

[edit]

Home Run Derby canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals
         
1 Shohei Ohtani (LAA) 28
8 Juan Soto (WAS) 31*
8 Juan Soto 15
5 Pete Alonso 16
4 Salvador Pérez (KC) 28
5 Pete Alonso (NYM) 35
5 Pete Alonso 23
6 Trey Mancini 22
3 Matt Olson (OAK) 23
6 Trey Mancini (BAL) 24
6 Trey Mancini 13
7 Trevor Story 12
2 Joey Gallo (TEX) 19
7 Trevor Story (COL) 20

*Went to a three-pitch swing-off after Soto and Ohtani tied at 22 home runs in first attempt and 28 home runs in tiebreaker. Soto went first and homered on all three pitches; Going second, Ohtani failed to hit a home run on his first pitch and was thus eliminated.

Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals
         
1 Kyle Schwarber (PHI) 19
8 Albert Pujols (STL) 20*
8 Albert Pujols 15
4 Juan Soto 16
4 Juan Soto (WAS) 18
5 José Ramírez (CLE) 17
4 Juan Soto 19
6 Julio Rodríguez 18
3 Corey Seager (TEX) 24
6 Julio Rodríguez (SEA) 32
6 Julio Rodríguez 31
2 Pete Alonso 23
2 Pete Alonso (NYM) 20
7 Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL) 19
  • Round went into a swing-off after Pujols and Schwarber were tied 13–13 after regulation.
Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals
         
1 Luis Robert Jr. (CWS) 28
8 Adley Rutschman (BAL) 27
1 Luis Robert Jr. 22
5 Randy Arozarena 35
4 Adolis García (TEX) 17
5 Randy Arozarena (TB) 24
5 Randy Arozarena 23
6 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 25
3 Mookie Betts (LAD) 11
6 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) 26
6 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 21
7 Julio Rodríguez 20
2 Pete Alonso (NYM) 21
7 Julio Rodríguez (SEA) 41*

“*” most HR ever scored in a single round

Globe Life Field, Arlington[25][26]
Player Team Round one Semifinals Finals Total
Teoscar Hernández Dodgers 19 14 (2) 14 49
Bobby Witt Jr. Royals 20 17 13 50
Alec Bohm Phillies 21 14 (1) 36
José Ramírez Guardians 21 12 33
Adolis García Rangers 18 18
Marcell Ozuna Braves 16 16
Pete Alonso Mets 12 12
Gunnar Henderson Orioles 11 11
Semifinals Finals
      
1 Alec Bohm 15
4 Teoscar Hernández 16*
4 Teoscar Hernández 14
3 Bobby Witt Jr. 13
3 Bobby Witt Jr. 17
2 José Ramírez 12

* Round went into a swing-off after Bohm and Hernández were tied 14–14 after regulation.

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ "History Of The Home Run Derby". Seat Geek. July 6, 2017.
  2. ^ Baker, Jim (July 7, 1999). "Baseball; ESPN rift with MLB a real derby; Dispute heats up over credentials". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on July 17, 2013. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  3. ^ "Home Run Derby on ESPN is No. 1 on cable TV". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. July 23, 2008. Archived from the original on July 17, 2013. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  4. ^ Hiestand, Michael (July 7, 2009). "ESPN adds new graphics for Home Run Derby coverage". USA Today. Retrieved July 16, 2013. Monday's Home Run Derby— often cable TV's highest-rated summer event
  5. ^ "Angels' Shohei Ohtani first pitcher to compete in Home Run Derby". The Athletic. June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  6. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (July 16, 2013). "Cespedes beats Harper to claim Derby title". MLB.com.
  7. ^ Derby to feature bracketed play as part of new format
  8. ^ Keeney, Tim. "HR Derby Gets New Format, Rules". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  9. ^ "Home Run Derby to introduce new format". Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on July 2, 2015. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
  10. ^ Corcoran, Cliff. "Home Run Derby Five-Minute Guide: Everything you need to know". www.si.com. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  11. ^ Silverman, Steve. "Home Run Derby 2016: Participants, Breakdown of New Rules for All-Star Showcase". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  12. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (July 19, 2022). "If All-Star Game is tied after 9, we'll get another HR Derby". MLB.com. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  13. ^ Curtis, Charles (July 11, 2023). "What are the All-Star Game tiebreaker rules and format? (SPOILER: HOME RUN DERBY!)". USA Today. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  14. ^ Olney, Buster (June 30, 2024). "Home Run Derby rule changes aimed at reducing frantic pace". espn.com. ESPN. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  15. ^ Jacobson, Cole (June 30, 2024). "New Home Run Derby format, rules announced". mlb.com. MLB. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  16. ^ "The last time Cincinnati hosted the MLB All-Star Game, things got weird". The Sporting News.
  17. ^ "Home Run Derby 2010: Most Memorable Derby Moments". Bleacher Report. July 12, 2010. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
  18. ^ Multichannel.com
  19. ^ Seattle Post-Intelligencer
  20. ^ MLB.com (July 7, 2015). "2015 Gillette Home Run Derby Presented By Head & Shoulders Exclusively on ESPN". ESPNMediazone.com. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  21. ^ McCarthy, Michael (July 8, 2019). "ESPN To Show Alternate 'Statcast' Version Of HR Derby For Analytics Fans". Front Office Sports. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  22. ^ MLB.com (July 11, 2011). "Home Run Derby press conference". MLB Advanced Media, LP. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  23. ^ "Relatively speaking, viewers still love the Home Run Derby (2002–2016 viewership)". sportstvratings.com. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  24. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (July 3, 2020). "All-Star Game Canceled; Dodgers to Host in 2022". MLB.com. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  25. ^ "The complete 2024 HR Derby field is set". mlb.com. MLB. July 10, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  26. ^ "Home Run Derby". mlb.com. MLB. July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
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