Monday night, Yankee Stadium, The House that Ruth Built, became the house that Texas Ranger slugger Josh Hamilton brought down.
Through the first seven home run sluggers, Lance Berkman and Justin Morneau's eight home runs where the numbers to beat.
Then came Josh Hamilton.
For any of those reading that have yet to witness Hamilton hit in batting practice before a game, tonight was proof why you should. Michael Young said it best in his interview with Erin Andrews—this is a normal event for the Ranger All-Stars.
Hamilton stroked 28 home runs in the first round, four more that Bobby Abreu hit in 2005.
This included a string in which Josh hit 15 long balls to one out. Home run number 14 came with seven outs and he hit number 28 before his ninth out.
In the second round after Ryan Braun, Berkman, and Morneau hit, Hamilton used four outs to stroke four more home runs before calling it a round.
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The final round, however, would belong to the former AL MVP. Morneau hit five home runs in his ten outs, and a fatigued Hamilton was able to hit only three more dingers.
Not to take any credit away from Justin Morneau, the crown is his, but the night belonged to Hamilton.
At one point during the first round barrage of homers, the Yankee fans were chanting "Hamilton!"
After his second homer, teammate and fellow All-Star Ian Kinsler ran up to Josh cheering. Throughout the Derby, Hamilton would receive numerous breaks ranging from water bottles from Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez's young son, to a briefcase being put on home plate by Reds ace Edinson Volquez.
Volquez was the player traded from the Texas Rangers in exchange for Hamilton in the offseason.
Ranger teammate Milton Bradley joined in a couple of times to give Josh a towel-down and late for a photo opportunity with his fellow slugger.
Hamilton's 28 home run display included three shots over 500 feet, and his longest, the 17th home run, measured at 517 feet.
At that point Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, got up out of his chair and walked off, throwing his arms down and saying he was done.
Similar to the Rene Russo line from the movie Tin Cup, "Years from now nobody will remember who won the Open, but they'll remember your twelve."
Years from now, very few of us will remember that Justin Morneau won the 2008 Home Run Derby, but we all will remember Hamilton's 28.
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about 1 month ago
This night will always be remembered as the Josh Hamilton Show. Really wish he would have won it though
from about 1 month ago
Yeah and its probably something that needs to be looked at in changing the format of the Home Run Derby, just watched his first round again, still amazing the second time around.
about 1 month ago
I am happy for Hamilton, but am ecstatic Morneau won. Everyone was dogging him before the derby and I didn't see one person pick him to win. Way rep the Twins, Justin!
from about 1 month ago
Ben I agree with you that the worst part about this is that everyone forgets that Morneau wasn't just hitting baseballs over the fence, he has a handful of power shots as well.
about 1 month ago
I agree with Matthew that the format somehow needs to be changed. The effort it took to hit the 28 homers in the first round probably had much to do with his waning in the last couple. But who's going to shut it down when you're going that good? It would be like yanking a pitcher in the middle of a perfect game. I would defiantly favor a cumulative system that more rewarded Hamilton's inhuman outburst. I'm not bagging on Justin, he's a great player in his own right, just think that Hamilton's display was far and away the best display of power that I have ever seen.
from about 1 month ago
Daniel, your right on, once again, you tattoed, beer drinking, red-bearded freak...HAHA
I just wish I could have patented that phrase from the movie Tin Cup, it works perfect for this year's Home Run Derby
from about 1 month ago
Yes it does (the Tin Cup saying that is),
And thanks Matthew, those are the nicest things you've ever said about me (and my kind)! I'm all puffed up with pride...and thinking about cracking a beer.
from about 1 month ago
The other phrase that I want to patrent will be used anytime someway says in the next year the phrase, The House that Ruth Built, then I will follow by saying ...And the House the Josh Hamilton Brought Down
about 1 month ago
HaHa! "defiantly favor." I meant "definitely favor," but I guess "defiantly" carries some extra oomph.
about 1 month ago
I think we're taking the HR Derby a little too seriously. It's just a show for the fans - not a serious competition. I don't think the players care all that much about "winning" the Derby, they just want to put on a good show. Maybe if the players start clamoring for rule changes, MLB should consider it. But they won't, because I don't think they care who wins.
from about 1 month ago
Darnell I agree with you that winning the event isn't that huge of a deal, just that night and then the night that player returns to his home stadium and is announced for the first time as the home run champ.
about 1 month ago
Hey Matthew. I'd like to see the title based on raw production. No eliminations. That way, whomever gets hot wins it all.
I don't get all that stoked over slam dunk contests but home run derbies are so much fun...
Nice article, by the way.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks man! Yeah, i'm planning on writing an article about that, just waiting for the All-Star hoopla to die down just a little bit. Think I got a good idea for the changes that need to be made.
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