Monday, July 10, 2006
2006 Home Run Derby
Tonight starts a three-game break in which hundreds of players get to rest and prepare for their upcoming series, however, for a select few that the fans have chosen, they don;t get to have that luxury.
In fact, they get to participate in a game that defines their skills. The All-Star Game.
71 players, 36 for the American League, 35 for the National League, will get to take part in a game that will highlight their season, that is if they don't reach the playoffs. 16 players get the dubious distinction of being the top vote-getter in each of their respective positions to become the herald starters.
As usual, the defending Al and NL champion managers will get the honor to manage the game and get to decide on their starting pitcher.
But before the Midsummer Classic takes place, there is one day that features the greatest sluggers in the game, and that is the Century 21 Home Run Derby.
Over the course of the years, we have seen records shatter over and over again starting with Mark McGwire's 13 at Fenway Park, only to be matched by Sammy Sosa at Turner Field, only to be matched by Miguel Tejada at Miller Park, and again only to be matched by Bobby Abreu last year at Comerica Park.
Only two Yankees have ever won the home run derby, Tino Martinez in 1997 defeating Larry Walker of the Colorado Rockies, and Jason Giambi in 2002 defeating Sammy Sosa.
Tonight, eight players will battle it out for the crossed bats.
Miguel Tejada, Baltimore Orioles
David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
Troy Glaus, Toronto Blue Jays
Jermaine Dye, Chicago White Sox
Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies
David Wright, New York Mets
Miguel Cabrera, Florida Marlins
Lance Berkman, Houston Astros
Who will outslug the others?
Posted by Steve Kenul at 2:16 PM
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