I’m not the only one who thinks the Home Run Derby is one of the coolest parts of baseball, right? I would totally pay money to go to a stadium and watch guys just crush home runs, and I’d pay even more to be out in the outfield hoping to catch one of those home run balls. But most importantly, I love the timing format, there’s more pressure and it makes it feel like more of a true competition. And of course, the buzzer beating action that happened last night made it even more exciting. Granted, these rules were only added because of the threat of severe weather that was going to roll through Cincinnati, the MLB has to be pleased with the results. Fans were glued to the Derby until the very end, where Todd Frazier hit the Home Run Derby winning Home Run in basically what was overtime. And the added bonus of 30 extra seconds if you crush a ball over 425 ft is awesome as well, might as well reward the guys for going yard.
To quote a tweet I read early from Marcus Hartman “the home run derby may be the first sporting event ever improved by adding a clock” is the best way to explain this situation. It was added in a crunch time and it ended up with a fabulous result. So, here’s to hoping the MLB is going to keep these rules for next year; four minutes was perfect especially with the adding of time. Anyone want to go with me to San Diego next year?
Thoughts? Comments? Concerns? Tweet me: @AGinBuffalo
