Jump to content

Home Run Derby

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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 13, 2026 (Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Next eventJuly 14, 2027 (Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois)
Current championJordan Walker
Current runner-upKyle Schwarber
ParticipantsAmerican League and National League baseball players
Organized byMajor League Baseball

The Home Run Derby, officially known as the T-Mobile 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 Jr.'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 2016.[1]

History

[edit]
Josh Hamilton participating in the 2008 Derby, where he would ultimately finish second.

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.[2]

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.[3][4][5]

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. 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.

For the first time in Derby history, Shohei Ohtani became both the first pitcher and the first Japanese player to participate in 2021.[6]

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. In 2008, Josh Hamilton broke the record for most home runs in a single round, with 28. This included 13 consecutive home runs and 7 that traveled over 500 feet. 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.[7] 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, Guerrero Jr. joined his father Vladimir Guerrero (the 2007 winner) to become 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.[8] 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.[9]

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).[10]

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).[11]

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.[12] 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+1⁄2 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.[13] A similar format would have been used in 2023 if the All-Star Game was tied after nine innings.[14]

2024–2025

[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.[15][16]

2026–present

[edit]

In 2026, the format was changed to do away with the time-based system. Now, hitters receive 20 "swings" in the first round, and 15 in the semifinal and final rounds. If a player is down to their last swing and hits a home run, they may continue hitting until they fail to hit a home run.[17]

Gold balls

[edit]

From 2005 to 2013, a gold ball was used once a player reached 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 & Girls Clubs of America, and Century 21 donated to Easterseals). In both 2005 and 2006, $294,000 was raised for the charities, equaling 14 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 & Girls Clubs of America. In the 2007 event, 15 golden balls were hit for a donation of $255,000, and 10 ($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 coverage

[edit]

TBS

[edit]

On July 11, 1988, the day before the Major League Baseball All-Star Game from Cincinnati, TBS televised the annual All-Star Gala[18] 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.

ESPN

[edit]

The derby was first officially nationally televised by ESPN in 1993 on a same-day delayed basis,[19] 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 gained notoriety for his annual hosting duties on ESPN, including his catchphrase, "Back back back...Gone!".

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.[20]

In Spanish, the event was televised on Spanish language network ESPN Deportes.[21] An alternate broadcast featuring live Statcast analytics has been carried on ESPN2 since the 2019 edition.[22]

ESPN Radio continues to carry the event annually, but the final Derby to air on ESPN in 2025.[23]

Netflix

[edit]

The Home Run Derby moved to Netflix beginning in 2026.[24] The inaugural edition in 2026 drew 5.3 million viewers, the lowest since 2003. The audience on Netflix was also younger compared to previous editions.[25]

Most watched Home Run Derbies

[edit]
RankYearWinnerBallparkViewers (millions)[26]
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 RedsNL Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (MIN)
1986^ Wally Joyner California AngelsAL Astrodome (HOU)
Darryl Strawberry New York MetsNL
1987 Andre Dawson† Chicago CubsNL Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum (OAK)
1988 Cancelled
1989^ Eric Davis Cincinnati RedsNL Anaheim Stadium (CAL)
Rubén Sierra Texas RangersAL
1990 Ryne Sandberg† Chicago CubsNL Wrigley Field (CHC)
1991 Cal Ripken Jr.† Baltimore OriolesAL SkyDome (TOR)
1992 Mark McGwire Oakland AthleticsAL Jack Murphy Stadium (SD)
1993 Juan González Texas RangersAL Oriole Park at Camden Yards (BAL)
1994 Ken Griffey Jr.† (1) Seattle MarinersAL Three Rivers Stadium (PIT)
1995 Frank Thomas† Chicago White SoxAL The Ballpark in Arlington (TEX)
1996 Barry Bonds San Francisco GiantsNL Veterans Stadium (PHI)
1997 Tino Martinez New York YankeesAL Jacobs Field (CLE)
1998 Ken Griffey Jr.† (2) Seattle MarinersAL Coors Field (COL)
1999 Ken Griffey Jr.† (3) Fenway Park (BOS)
2000 Sammy Sosa Chicago CubsNL Turner Field (ATL)
2001 Luis Gonzalez Arizona DiamondbacksNL Safeco Field (SEA)
2002 Jason Giambi New York YankeesAL Miller Park (MIL)
2003 Garret Anderson Anaheim AngelsAL U.S. Cellular Field (CWS)
2004 Miguel Tejada Baltimore OriolesAL Minute Maid Park (HOU)
2005 Bobby Abreu Philadelphia PhilliesNL Comerica Park (DET)
2006 Ryan Howard Philadelphia PhilliesNL PNC Park (PIT)
2007 Vladimir Guerrero† Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimAL AT&T Park (SF)
2008 Justin Morneau Minnesota TwinsAL Yankee Stadium (NYY)
2009 Prince Fielder (1) Milwaukee BrewersNL Busch Stadium (STL)
2010 David Ortiz† Boston Red SoxAL Angel Stadium (LAA)
2011 Robinson Canó New York YankeesAL Chase Field (AZ)
2012 Prince Fielder (2) Detroit TigersAL Kauffman Stadium (KC)
2013 Yoenis Céspedes (1)* Oakland AthleticsAL Citi Field (NYM)
2014 Yoenis Céspedes (2) Target Field (MIN)
2015 Todd Frazier Cincinnati RedsNL Great American Ball Park (CIN)
2016 Giancarlo Stanton* Miami MarlinsNL Petco Park (SD)
2017 Aaron Judge New York YankeesAL Marlins Park (MIA)
2018 Bryce Harper Washington NationalsNL Nationals Park (WSH)
2019 Pete Alonso (1) New York MetsNL Progressive Field (CLE)
2020 Cancelled[27]
2021 Pete Alonso (2)* New York MetsNL Coors Field (COL)
2022 Juan Soto Washington Nationals NL Dodger Stadium (LAD)
2023

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Toronto Blue JaysAL T-Mobile Park (SEA)
2024 Teoscar Hernández Los Angeles Dodgers NL Globe Life Field (TEX)
2025 Cal Raleigh Seattle Mariners AL Truist Park (ATL)
2026 Jordan Walker St. Louis Cardinals NL Citizens Bank Park (PHI)

Records

[edit]

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 5 - 2019, 2021–2024 207
2 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Toronto Blue Jays 2 - 2019, 2023 163
3 Julio Rodríguez Seattle Mariners 2 - 2022–2023 142
4 Albert Pujols St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels 5 - 2003, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2022 106
5 Joc Pederson Los Angeles Dodgers 2 - 2015, 2019 99
Juan Soto Washington Nationals 2 - 2021–2022
7 Todd Frazier Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox 3 - 2014–2016 91
8 Giancarlo Stanton Miami Marlins 3 - 2014, 2016–2017 83
9 Randy Arozarena Tampa Bay Rays 1 - 2023 82
10 Prince Fielder Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers 2 - 2009, 2012 81

Wins by team

[edit]
Rank Team Wins Years
1 New York Yankees 4 1997, 2002, 2011, 2017
Seattle Mariners 1994, 1998, 1999, 2025
2 Los Angeles Angels 3 1986*, 2003, 2007
Oakland Athletics 1992, 2013, 2014
Chicago Cubs 1987, 1990, 2000
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
St. Louis Cardinals 2026
*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.

Wins by Position

[edit]
Position Wins
1B 12
RF 12
CF 7
LF 4
2B 2
SS 2
C 1
3B 1
DH 1

Complete scoreboard

[edit]
Key
†
Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame

1980s

[edit]
The Metrodome, Minneapolis—A.L. 17, N.L. 16
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
Jim Rice†Boston4
Eddie Murray†Baltimore4
Carlton Fisk†Chicago4
Tom BrunanskyMinnesota4
Cal Ripken Jr.†Baltimore1
National League
Dave Parker†Cincinnati6
Dale MurphyAtlanta4
Steve GarveySan Diego2
Ryne Sandberg†Chicago2
Jack ClarkSt. Louis2
Astrodome, Houston—N.L. 8, A.L. 7
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
Wally JoynerCalifornia4
Jesse BarfieldToronto2
Jose CansecoOakland1
National League
Darryl StrawberryNew York4
Dave Parker†Cincinnati3
Hubie BrooksMontreal1
Oakland Coliseum, Oakland—N.L. 6, A.L. 2
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
George BellToronto1
Mark McGwireOakland1
National League
Andre Dawson†Chicago4
Ozzie Virgil Jr.Atlanta2

Home Run Derby canceled due to rain.

Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim—N.L. 9, A.L. 5
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
Rubén SierraTexas3
Mickey TettletonBaltimore1
Bo JacksonKansas City1
Gary GaettiMinnesota0
National League
Eric DavisCincinnati3
Glenn DavisHouston2
Howard JohnsonNew York2
Kevin MitchellSan Francisco2

1990s

[edit]
Wrigley Field, Chicago—N.L. 4, A.L. 1
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
Mark McGwireOakland1
Ken Griffey Jr.†Seattle0
Jose CansecoOakland0
Cecil FielderDetroit0
National League
Ryne Sandberg†Chicago3
Matt WilliamsSan Francisco1
Bobby BonillaPittsburgh0
Darryl StrawberryNew York0
SkyDome, Toronto—A.L. 20, N.L. 7
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
Cal Ripken Jr.†Baltimore12
Cecil FielderDetroit4
Joe CarterToronto2
Danny TartabullKansas City2
National League
Paul O'NeillCincinnati5
George BellChicago2
Chris SaboCincinnati0
Howard JohnsonNew York0
Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego—A.L. 27, N.L. 13
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
Mark McGwireOakland12
Ken Griffey Jr.†Seattle7
Joe CarterToronto4
Cal Ripken Jr.†Baltimore4
National League
Larry Walker†Montreal4
Gary SheffieldSan Diego4
Fred McGriff†San Diego3
Barry BondsPittsburgh2
Camden Yards, Baltimore—A.L. 20, N.L. 12
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
Juan GonzálezTexas7
Ken Griffey Jr.†Seattle7 *
Cecil FielderDetroit4
Albert BelleCleveland3
National League
Barry BondsSan Francisco5
Bobby BonillaNew York5
David JusticeAtlanta2
Mike Piazza†Los Angeles0

* Lost in playoff to Gonzalez

Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh—A.L. 17, N.L. 11
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
Ken Griffey Jr.†Seattle7
Rubén SierraOakland4
Frank Thomas†Chicago4
Albert BelleCleveland2
National League
Fred McGriff†Atlanta5
Jeff Bagwell†Houston3
Dante BichetteColorado3
Mike Piazza†Los Angeles0
The Ballpark in Arlington, Arlington—A.L. 40, N.L. 12
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
Frank Thomas†Chicago15 *
Albert BelleCleveland16
Mo VaughnBoston6
Manny RamirezCleveland3
National League
Ron GantCincinnati6
Sammy SosaChicago2
Reggie SandersCincinnati2
Raúl MondesíLos Angeles2

* Beat Belle in finals

Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia—A.L. 36, N.L. 23
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
Mark McGwireOakland15
Brady AndersonBaltimore11
Jay BuhnerSeattle8
Joe CarterToronto2
Greg VaughnMilwaukee0
National League
Barry BondsSan Francisco17
Henry RodríguezMontreal3
Jeff Bagwell†Houston2
Ellis BurksColorado1
Gary SheffieldFlorida0
Jacobs Field, Cleveland—A.L. 32, N.L. 29
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
Tino MartinezNew York16 *
Mark McGwireOakland7
Brady AndersonBaltimore4
Ken Griffey Jr.†Seattle3
Nomar GarciaparraBoston0
Jim Thome†Cleveland0
National League
Larry Walker†Colorado19
Jeff Bagwell†Houston5
Chipper Jones†Atlanta3
Ray LankfordSt. Louis2

* Beat Walker in finals

Coors Field, Denver—A.L. 53, N.L. 29
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
Ken Griffey Jr.†Seattle19
Rafael PalmeiroBaltimore10
Jim Thome†Cleveland17
Alex RodriguezSeattle5
Damion EasleyDetroit2
National League
Vinny CastillaColorado12
Moisés AlouHouston7
Javy LópezAtlanta5
Mark McGwireSt. Louis4
Chipper Jones†Atlanta1
Fenway Park, Boston—N.L. 39, A.L. 23
PlayerTeamHome runs
American League
Ken Griffey Jr.†Seattle16
Nomar GarciaparraBoston2
B. J. SurhoffBaltimore2
Shawn GreenToronto2
John JahaOakland1
National League
Jeromy BurnitzMilwaukee14
Mark McGwireSt. Louis16 *
Jeff Bagwell†Houston6
Larry Walker†Colorado2
Sammy SosaChicago1

* Lost to Burnitz in round 2

2000s

[edit]
Turner Field, Atlanta—N.L. 41, A.L. 21
PlayerTeamRound 1SemisFinalsTotal
Sammy SosaCubs611926
Ken Griffey Jr.†Reds63211
Carl EverettRed Sox66–12
Carlos DelgadoBlue Jays51–6
Edgar Martínez†Mariners2––2
Chipper Jones†Braves2––2
Vladimir Guerrero†Expos2––2
Iván Rodríguez†Rangers1––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
PlayerTeamRound 1SemisFinalsTotals
Luis GonzalezDiamondbacks55616
Sammy SosaCubs38213
Jason GiambiAthletics146–20
Barry BondsGiants73–10
Bret BooneMariners3––3
Todd HeltonRockies2––2
Alex RodriguezRangers2––2
Troy GlausAngels0––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
PlayerTeamRound 1SemisFinalsTotals
Jason GiambiYankees116724
Sammy SosaCubs125118
Paul KonerkoWhite Sox66–12
Richie SexsonBrewers64–10
Torii HunterTwins3––3
Barry BondsGiants2––2
Alex RodriguezRangers2––2
Lance BerkmanAstros1––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
PlayerTeamRound 1SemisFinalsTotal
Garret AndersonAngels76922
Albert PujolsCardinals414826
Jason GiambiYankees1211–23
Jim EdmondsCardinals44–8
Gary SheffieldBraves4––4
Carlos DelgadoBlue Jays2––3
Richie SexsonBrewers1––1
Bret BooneMariners0––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
PlayerTeamRound 1SemisFinalsTotal
Miguel TejadaOrioles715527
Lance BerkmanAstros710421
Rafael PalmeiroOrioles95–14
Barry BondsGiants83–11
Sammy SosaCubs5––5
Jim Thome†Phillies4––4
Hank BlalockRangers3––3
David Ortiz†Red Sox3––3
Comerica Park, Detroit—N.L. 66, A.L. 42
PlayerHome CountryTeamRound 1SemisFinalsTotals
Bobby AbreuVenezuelaPhillies2461141*
Iván Rodríguez†Puerto RicoTigers78520
David Ortiz†Dominican RepublicRed Sox173–20
Carlos LeePanamaBrewers114–15
Hee-seop ChoiSouth KoreaDodgers5––5
Andruw JonesNetherlandsBraves5––5
Mark TeixeiraUnited StatesRangers2––2
Jason BayCanadaPirates0––0

* Total rounds record.

PNC Park, Pittsburgh—N.L. 62, A.L. 24
PlayerTeamRound 1Round 2SubtotalFinalsTotal
Ryan HowardPhillies81018523
David WrightMets16218422
Miguel CabreraMarlins9615–15
David Ortiz†Red Sox10313–13
Jermaine DyeWhite Sox7–7–7
Lance BerkmanAstros3–3–3
Miguel TejadaOrioles3–3–3
Troy GlausBlue Jays1–1–1
AT&T Park, San Francisco—A.L. 42, N.L. 32
PlayerTeamRound 1Round 2SubtotalFinalsTotal
Vladimir Guerrero†Angels59143a17
Alex RíosBlue Jays51217219
Matt HollidayRockies5813–13
Albert PujolsCardinals4 (2)913–13
Justin MorneauTwins4 (1)–4–4
Prince FielderBrewers3–3–3
Ryan HowardPhillies3–3–3
Magglio OrdóñezTigers2–2–2

Notes:
^aRecorded 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
PlayerTeamRound 1Round 2SubtotalFinalsTotal
Justin MorneauTwins8917522
Josh HamiltonRangers28a4b32335
Lance BerkmanAstros8614–14
Ryan BraunBrewers7714–14
Dan UgglaMarlins6–6–6
Grady SizemoreIndians6–6–6
Chase UtleyPhillies5–5–5
Evan LongoriaRays3–3–3

Notes:
^aNew single round record.
^bVoluntarily ended round with four outs.

Busch Stadium, St. Louis—N.L. 51, A.L. 31
PlayerTeamRound 1Round 2SubtotalFinalsTotal
Prince FielderBrewers11617623
Nelson CruzRangers11516521
Ryan HowardPhillies7815–15
Albert PujolsCardinals5 (2)611–11
Carlos PeñaRays5 (1)–5–5
Joe Mauer†Twins5 (0)–5–5
Adrián GonzálezPadres2–2–2
Brandon IngeTigers0–0–0

Notes:
Italicized numbers denote swing-offs.

2010s

[edit]
Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim—A.L. 50, N.L. 45
PlayerTeamRound 1Round 2SubtotalFinalsTotal
David Ortiz†Red Sox813211132
Hanley RamírezMarlins91221526
Corey HartBrewers13013–13
Miguel CabreraTigers7512–12
Matt HollidayCardinals5–5–5
Nick SwisherYankees4–4–4
Vernon WellsBlue Jays2–2–2
Chris YoungDiamondbacks1–1–1
Chase Field, Phoenix—A.L. 76, N.L. 19
PlayerTeamRound 1Round 2SubtotalFinalsTotal
Robinson CanóYankees812201232
Adrián GonzálezRed Sox911201131
Prince FielderBrewers5 (5)49–9
David Ortiz†Red Sox5 (4)49–9
Matt HollidayCardinals5 (2)–5–5
José BautistaBlue Jays4–4–4
Rickie Weeks Jr.Brewers3–3–3
Matt KempDodgers2–2–2

Notes:
Italicized numbers denote swing-offs.

Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City—A.L. 61, N.L. 21
PlayerTeamRound 1Round 2SubtotalFinalsTotal
Prince FielderTigers511161228
José BautistaBlue Jays11213 (2)720
Mark TrumboAngels7613 (1)—13
Carlos BeltránCardinals7512—12
Carlos GonzálezRockies4—4—4
Andrew McCutchenPirates4—4—4
Matt KempDodgers1—1—1
Robinson CanóYankees0—0—0

Notes:
Italicized numbers denote swing-offs.

Citi Field, New York—A.L. 53, N.L. 50
PlayerTeamRound 1Round 2SubtotalFinalsTotal
Yoenis CéspedesAthletics176239a32
Bryce HarperNationals8816824
Michael CuddyerRockies7815—15
Chris DavisOrioles8412—12
Pedro ÁlvarezPirates6—6—6
Prince FielderTigers5—5—5
David WrightMets5—5—5
Robinson CanóYankees4—4—4

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

Target Field, Minneapolis — A.L. 54, N.L. 24
American League
PlayerTeamRound 1Round 2Round 3FinalsTotal
Yoenis CéspedesAthletics3 (2)97928
José BautistaBlue Jays10*4−14
Adam JonesOrioles43−−7
Josh DonaldsonAthletics3 (1)−−−3
Brian DozierTwins2−−−2
National League
PlayerTeamRound 1Round 2Round 3FinalsTotal
Todd FrazierReds2 (1)61110
Giancarlo StantonMarlins6*0−6
Troy TulowitzkiRockies42−−6
Justin MorneauRockies2 (0)−−−2
Yasiel PuigDodgers0−−−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[28][29]
PlayerTeamRound oneSemifinalsFinalsTotal
Teoscar HernándezDodgers1914(2)1449
Bobby Witt Jr.Royals20171350
Alec BohmPhillies2114(1)–36
José RamírezGuardians2112–33
Adolis GarcíaRangers18––18
Marcell OzunaBraves16––16
Pete AlonsoMets12––12
Gunnar HendersonOrioles11––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.

Truist Park, Atlanta[30][31]
PlayerTeamRound oneSemifinalsFinalsTotal
Cal RaleighSeattle Mariners17#191854
Junior CamineroTampa Bay Rays2181544
Oneil CruzPittsburgh Pirates2113−34
Byron BuxtonMinnesota Twins207−27
Brent RookerAthletics17#−−17
James WoodWashington Nationals16−−16
Matt OlsonAtlanta Braves15−−15
Jazz Chisholm Jr.New York Yankees3−−3
Semifinals Finals
      
1 Oneil Cruz 13
4 Cal Raleigh 19
4 Cal Raleigh 18
2 Junior Caminero 15
3 Byron Buxton 7
2 Junior Caminero 8

# Raleigh advanced via distance tiebreak of .96 inches (2.4 cm).

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia[32][33][34]
PlayerTeamRound oneRound twoFinalsTotal
Jordan WalkerSt. Louis Cardinals13*61231
Kyle SchwarberPhiladelphia Phillies1091130
Willson ContrerasBoston Red Sox13*8−21
Junior CamineroTampa Bay Rays125−17
Munetaka MurakamiChicago White Sox9−−9
Bryce HarperPhiladelphia Phillies8−−8
Jac CaglianoneKansas City Royals8−−8
Ben RiceNew York Yankees7−−7

* − Contreras received the higher seed via distance tiebreaker (490 ft to 470 ft)

Round two Finals
      
1 Willson Contreras 8
7 Kyle Schwarber 9
2 Jordan Walker 12
7 Kyle Schwarber 11
2 Jordan Walker 6
6 Junior Caminero 5

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ Vladem, Evan (July 25, 2017). "T-Mobile's CMO on Going Deep with the Home Run Derby". chiefmarker.com. Retrieved July 15, 2026.
  2. ↑ "History Of The Home Run Derby". Seat Geek. July 6, 2017.
  3. ↑ Baker, Jim (July 7, 1999). "Baseball; ESPN rift with MLB a real derby; Dispute heats up over credentials". Boston Herald. Retrieved July 16, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  4. ↑ "Home Run Derby on ESPN is No. 1 on cable TV". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. July 23, 2008. Retrieved July 16, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  5. ↑ 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
  6. ↑ "Angels' Shohei Ohtani first pitcher to compete in Home Run Derby". The Athletic. June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  7. ↑ Castrovince, Anthony (July 16, 2013). "Cespedes beats Harper to claim Derby title". MLB.com.
  8. ↑ Derby to feature bracketed play as part of new format
  9. ↑ Keeney, Tim. "HR Derby Gets New Format, Rules". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Home Run Derby to introduce new format". Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on July 2, 2015. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
  11. ↑ Corcoran, Cliff. "Home Run Derby Five-Minute Guide: Everything you need to know". www.si.com. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  12. ↑ Silverman, Steve. "Home Run Derby 2016: Participants, Breakdown of New Rules for All-Star Showcase". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  13. ↑ 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.
  14. ↑ 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.
  15. ↑ Olney, Buster (June 30, 2024). "Home Run Derby rule changes aimed at reducing frantic pace". Espn.com. ESPN. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  16. ↑ Jacobson, Cole (June 30, 2024). "New Home Run Derby format, rules announced". Mlb.com. MLB. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  17. ↑ Goldstein, Steven Louis (July 13, 2026). "MLB Home Run Derby 2026 streaming guide: Time, rule changes to know, 8-player field". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  18. ↑ "The last time Cincinnati hosted the MLB All-Star Game, things got weird". The Sporting News.
  19. ↑ "Home Run Derby 2010: Most Memorable Derby Moments". Bleacher Report. July 12, 2010. Archived from the original on July 9, 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Seattle Post-Intelligencer". Seattlepi.com. Retrieved July 15, 2026.
  21. ↑ MLB.com (July 7, 2015). "2015 Gillette Home Run Derby Presented By Head & Shoulders Exclusively on ESPN". ESPNMediazone.com. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  22. ↑ McCarthy, Michael (July 8, 2019). "ESPN To Show Alternate 'Statcast' Version Of HR Derby For Analytics Fans". Front Office Sports. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  23. ↑ MLB.com (July 11, 2011). "Home Run Derby press conference". MLB Advanced Media, LP. Archived from the original on July 9, 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  24. ↑ Marchand, Andrew (September 26, 2025). "Netflix to stream Yankees-Giants on MLB Opening Day 2026 as part of new 3-year agreement: Sources". The Athletic. Retrieved October 18, 2025.
  25. ↑ Karp, Austin (July 16, 2026). "Sources: Netflix's Home Run Derby debut is event's smallest audience since 2003". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved July 16, 2026.
  26. ↑ "Relatively speaking, viewers still love the Home Run Derby (2002–2016 viewership)". sportstvratings.com. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  27. ↑ Castrovince, Anthony (July 3, 2020). "All-Star Game Canceled; Dodgers to Host in 2022". MLB.com. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  28. ↑ "The complete 2024 HR Derby field is set". mlb.com. MLB. July 10, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  29. ↑ "Home Run Derby". mlb.com. MLB. July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  30. ↑ "Here are the 2025 Home Run Derby participants". mlb.com. MLB. June 27, 2025. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  31. ↑ "Home Run Derby". mlb.com. MLB. June 27, 2025. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  32. ↑ "The 2026 Home Run Derby field is complete". mlb.com. MLB. July 10, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  33. ↑ "HR Derby FAQ: Format changes, batting order & more (8 p.m. ET on Netflix)". mlb.com. MLB. July 13, 2026. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  34. ↑ DeRosa, Theo; Maguire, Brent (July 13, 2026). "Breakout slugger Walker wins HR Derby with electric final round, quieting Philly faithful". mlb.com. MLB. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
[edit]