Home Run Derby

Guide Note

The Home Run Derby is an annual Major League Baseball event held the day before the MLB All-Star Game. The aim of the Derby is to see who can hit the most home runs among the participants. The contest started in 1985 and is based on the 1959 television series of the same name.

Fast Facts

1. 2008 Champion: Justin Morneau
2. 2008 event: July 14
3. Stadium: Yankee Stadium
4. TV coverage: ESPN
5. Sponsor: State Farm Insurance
6. 2007 Champion: Vladimir Guerrero
7. Most titles: Ken Griffey Jr. (three)
8. 2008 was the 23rd Home Run Derby
9. 2008 was the first Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium

• Lance Berkman (Houston Astros)
• Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers)
• Dan Uggla (Florida Marlins)
• Chase Utley (Philadelphia Phillies)
• Grady Sizemore (Cleveland Indians)
• Justin Morneau (Minnesota Twins)
• Ryan Braun (Milwaukee Brewers)

On July 14, 2008, the Minnesota Twins' Justin Morneau became the first Canadian ever to win the event. Although Texas Ranger Josh Hamilton hit more home runs (35 altogether; 28 in the first round alone), Morneau won the final round and took the title with 23 homers. He is a Canadian citizen from New Westminster, British Columbia.

Participants in the Home Run Derby face off against each other in a playoff system. When a player hits a ball that is not a home run, it is considered an out. Each player gets 10 outs per round to hit as many home runs as they can. The players with the most home runs advance to the additional rounds until a player is declared the winner in the finals.¹