Why the MLB Home Run Derby Will Never Get Old

Of all the festivities surrounding mid-season All-Star games, the MLB Home Run Derby has to be the best. 

There are not a lot of events that an entire family can sit back and watch with awe.

Such is the case with the derby, however, after each superstar launches another pitch 470 feet into the stands. 

I recently flew back to my hometown on vacation and literally couldn’t have picked a better week to come and enjoy time with my family and girlfriend. 

Last night was more or less a family affair in front of the Teeple-family TV: popcorn, a couple cold friendlies, and absolutely nothing to worry about, except who is going to mash the most home runs. 

Baseball may have been knocked down a couple pegs on the popularity index, taking a backseat to the NFL and NBA, but there is just something fun about watching the derby. It takes you back to being a kid and enjoying the simpler things in life.

You can even tell that the players on the field were having a blast. 

For example, look at the bond between Robinson Cano and his father.

How great was that?

You can’t write an ending that good, in which father and son climb the mountain and take down the Red Sox at the same time. 

For two-and-half hours, families throughout the world can have a laugh, let out a few "oohs and aahs," and enjoy America’s game at its finest. 

I, for one, hope the derby never changes because it’s just plain fun to watch.

Remember how the NBA dunk contest was the end-all and be-all of All-Star weekends?

You can’t compare that to a stadium filled to the rafters watching these gladiators take it to the opposition. 

My comments may be a little hokey, I admit, but it’s a struggle to find anything more entertaining than waiting for each batter to step into the box to take that first monster cut.

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective

Devon is a former professional baseball player with the River City Rascals and Gateway Grizzlies and is now an independent scout.