It’s time for America to take a break from what has been a tough stretch of baseball. With the All-Star Game just around the corner, what better way to enjoy a few days off than with America’s favorite pastime?
The MLB Home Run Derby is one of the most popular events at what is now known as “All-Star Week.” And with ESPN broadcasting it live this year, there are plenty of ways to tune in. But before you do so, what should you know about what happens during this event?
What is the Home Run Derby?
The MLB Home Run Derby is a contest in which the competitors bat balls out of a pitching machine set at a specific speed. The winner of the derby is the one who has hit the most home runs in 2 minutes.
Each player gets 4 outs per round and with no fouls or walks awarded, they must hit as many home runs as they can to place higher up on the leaderboard.
The derby winner gets $1 million prize money.
A little history about the Home Run Derby
The Home Run Derby was started in 1985 and has been a part of the All-Star festivities since 1988. Even though it has been around since 1985, it’s only been televised since 2007. The derby is what baseball all-stars do during what used to be known as “the lull” between the end of All-Star Saturday and the beginning of Sunday’s game.
What are the rules for the Home Run Derby
The Home Run Derby is a contest that sees the players of the derby aiming to hit as many home runs as possible with a group of checkpoints. In 2 minutes or less, what one loses will be what they have to miss out on hitting. Between rounds, the machine will adjust its speed from 50 miles per hour up to 100 miles per hour each time.
What’s more, each player has 4 outs before they can’t come back for an additional round. If they foul or walk a ball during their playtime, it automatically disqualifies them.
Who are the contestants?
There are 8 players that will be participating this year from what is now known as “All-Star Week.” The participants in the MLB Home Run Derby are:
- Kyle Schwarber, Chicago Cubs outfielder
- Max Muncy, Oakland Athletics third baseman
- Joc Pederson, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder
- Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels center fielder
- Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies right fielder
- Aaron Judge, New York Yankees right fielder
- George Springer, Houston Astros outfielder
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays third baseman
What time is the Home Run Derby 2019?
The Home Run Derby is taking place on Monday, July 15 at 6:00 p.m. EDT. The home run derby will be live on ESPN with what many are dubbing “one of the most exciting parts of All-Star Week.”
The Home Run Derby will take place in what is now known as Progressive Field, or what used to be known as Cleveland Stadium.
Conclusion
If you’re not an avid baseball fan, this event features some of each team’s best batters, who are competing for prizes and bragging rights. Just because it’s the All-Star break does not mean there are no new things happening for baseball.
“Why should I watch it?”
There are plenty of reasons why you should tune into the MLB Home Run Derby on Monday. If you’re a baseball fan, what better way is there to spend your first day off in what will be known as “All-Star Week”?
