Josh Hamilton Home Run Derby Video

Although the Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau won the 2008 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby, Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton hit 28 home runs during the first round of the competition to set a new record.¹

Fast Facts

1. The previous Home Run Derby record was set in 2005 when Bobby Abreu hit 24 home runs in the first round
2. At least three of Hamilton's home runs measured more than 500 feet
3. During the competition, Hamilton made contact on 13 successive pitches
4. 53,716 spectators were in attendance
5. Hamilton is a recovering alcoholic and drug addict
6. The event raised $300,000 for charity²

Why Didn't Hamilton Win?

Josh Hamilton hit 13 more home runs than Justin Morneau during the competition and was ahead 32-17 after the initial two rounds. However, in accordance with Home Run Derby regulations, the two players both started at 0 for the third round, during which Morneau hit five homers to Hamilton's three.¹

Quotes

"Obviously, the dream, I didn't know how many I would hit. I just feel blessed to have played here."—Josh Hamilton

"I was lucky that we got reset. This was his show. He deserved to win it. That was one of the best performances I've ever seen."—Justin Morneau³

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