All-Star MLB Home Run Derby
The events surrounding the MLB All-Star party are usually of almost all types and colors. Future Stars Game, softball game (a softer version of baseball but of extraordinary importance in the women's category) with former players and various celebrities... But few events generate as much interest, apart from the All-Star game itself, as the Home Run Derby.
When celebrating the 30th anniversary of its introduction to the rest of the festivities, the 2015 edition promised us a unique spectacle. Without a doubt, the great attraction that would have been Giancarlo Stanton had to wait for future editions after getting injured just before the event, just like the great Miguel Cabrera did.
There is no other way to describe it than disappointing the absence of two of the most shining young superstars of this sport, both Bryce Harper and Mike Trout, who have declined their participation for various reasons. We can only wait for the coming years in which they will surely leave their mark and take advantage of this fantastic showcase.
Anyway, no one can deny that those absences will be compensated by the spectacle that the participants will provide for the 2015 edition, led by the superb Dominican first baseman, Albert Pujols of the Los Angeles Angels.
Only sixteen men in history have hit the ball out of the field more times than Pujols, who is experiencing a second youth in this season. His 26 home runs lead the American League and it remains to be seen if, in what could be his last appearance in the contest, Pujols manages to win the title that has eluded him in his three previous participations.
The Dominican will not be alone. In the revamped event that will include the typical brackets of college basketball, Pujols will face off against the sensation from the Cubs, Kris Bryant, who is making his debut in both the All-Star game and the contest.
Following the home run totals as of July 7th, the great favorite for the local crowd, Todd Frazier, will try to take advantage of his knowledge of the field in his particular duel against the two-time winner of the contest, Prince Fielder, who will try to equal the absolute record held by a true legend and future Hall of Famer, Ken Griffey Jr.
To complete the brackets, Josh Donaldson of the Blue Jays will face Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs and the rookie from the Dodgers, Joc Pederson, will have to contend with the excellent third baseman of the Baltimore Orioles, Manny Machado.
The result of the event is unknown, as well as whether the various modifications that have been introduced will make the contest more dynamic and attract a larger number of spectators, but watching some of the best hitters in the competition is a spectacle like no other.