Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández connects in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández follows via in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández is launched earlier than the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández hits a house run in the course of the first spherical of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Tony Gutierrez)
The Kansas Metropolis Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. connects in the course of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Followers attain for a house run ball in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm participates within the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
The Cleveland Guardians’ Jose Ramirez follows via in the course of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
The Texas Rangers’ Adolis Garcia connects in the course of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Followers attain for a house run ball in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
The New York Mets’ Pete Alonso follows via in the course of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
The Atlanta Braves’ Marcell Ozuna connects in the course of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson hits a house run in the course of the first spherical of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Tony Gutierrez)
The New York Mets’ Pete Alonso bats in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby at Globe Life Area on July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
The New York Mets’ Pete Alonso reacts in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby at Globe Life Area on July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm bats in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby at Globe Life Area on July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm reacts in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández connects in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández connects in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández bats in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
The Cleveland Guardians’ José Ramírez watches in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández participates within the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández connects in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández connects in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, left, talks to teammate, pitcher Tyler Glasnow, in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández will get toweled off in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
The Texas Rangers’ Adolis Garcia follows via in the course of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson connects in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
The Atlanta Braves’ Marcell Ozuna hits a house run in the course of the first spherical of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Tony Gutierrez)
The Atlanta Braves’ Marcell Ozuna smiles in the course of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
The Kansas Metropolis Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. bats in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
The Kansas Metropolis Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. waits to bat in the course of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
The Kansas Metropolis Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. connects in the course of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Maggie Black, fiancée of Kansas Metropolis Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., cheers from the stands as Witt bats in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, middle, and teammates Tyler Glasnow (31) and Teoscar Hernandez (37) speak to New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto, left, in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
The Cleveland Guardians’ Jose Ramirez connects in the course of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Followers attain to catch a house run ball hit by the Cleveland Guardians’ Jose Ramirez in the course of the semifinal spherical of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Tony Gutierrez)
The Cleveland Guardians’ Jose Ramirez connects in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández connects in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández hits a house run in the course of the ultimate spherical of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Tony Gutierrez)
Supporters watch Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández take part within the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández follows via in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández follows via in the course of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
A younger fan watches in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm bats in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby at Globe Life Area on July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm reacts in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby at Globe Life Area on July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Sam Hodde/Getty Photos)
The Kansas Metropolis Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. bats in the course of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
Followers attain to catch a house run ball hit by the Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm in the course of the semifinal spherical of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Tony Gutierrez)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández hits a house run in the course of the ultimate spherical of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Tony Gutierrez)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández reacts in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
Followers attain for a house run ball in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández bats in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández bats in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández bats in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Sam Hodde/Getty Photos)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández smiles in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, proper, celebrates with third base coach Dino Ebel after successful the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Sam Hodde/Getty Photos)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, proper, hugs coach Dino Ebel in the course of the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
The Kansas Metropolis Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. swings in the course of the MLB baseball All-Star Dwelling Run Derby, Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
The Kansas Metropolis Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. bats in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Sam Hodde/Getty Photos)
The Kansas Metropolis Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. bats in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
The Kansas Metropolis Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. bats in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández celebrates after successful the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández celebrates after successful the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández celebrates after successful the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández celebrates after successful the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández holds the Dwelling Run Derby trophy and wears the champion’s diamond-encrusted chain after successful the occasion on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. He additionally receives million for successful the exhibition. (AP Picture/LM Otero)
Kansas Metropolis Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., left, and Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández shake fingers after Hernandez edged Witt to win the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening at Globe Life Area in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Photos)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, poses for pictures with the winner’s trophy after the All-Star Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (AP Picture/Julio Cortez)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández poses with the trophy after successful the Dwelling Run Derby in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Photos)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández poses with the trophy after successful the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, proper, celebrates with Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel, after successful the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening at Globe Life Area in Arlington, Texas. Ebel pitched to Hernandez. (Picture by Sam Hodde/Getty Photos)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, proper, celebrates with Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel, after successful the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening at Globe Life Area in Arlington, Texas. Ebel pitched to Hernandez. (Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos)
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández holds the trophy and wears the diamond-encrusted chain after successful the Dwelling Run Derby on Monday evening in Arlington, Texas. (Picture by Sam Hodde/Getty Photos)
By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Baseball Author
ARLINGTON, Texas — When Teoscar Hernández wanted a second to relax in the course of the Dwelling Run Derby, the Dodgers outfielder received a lift from a former teammate who simply occurred to be final 12 months’s champion.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wore a Toronto Blue Jays jersey with Hernández’s title and No. 37 on the again as he watched the competitors, honoring his buddy from their time as Toronto teammates from 2017-22.
“That was a shock of the evening,” Hernández mentioned. “He brings my jersey from Toronto, and when he goes to dwelling plate. He was attempting to calm (me) down, and so he had handed two occasions, and it really works. He mentioned he needed to assist me going into the final spherical.”
Hernández gained the Dwelling Run Derby when he edged native star Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas Metropolis Royals, 14-13, within the ultimate spherical Monday evening. Hernández, who has been “invaluable” to the Dodgers throughout his first season with the group, obtained $1 million and a diamond-encrusted chain for his win.
The 31-year-old Hernández hit 49 homers over three rounds that totaled 3.98 miles (his longest traveled 466 ft) and have become the primary Dodgers participant to win the derby amongst 11 who’ve tried. Whereas not taking part within the derby this 12 months, Guerrero gave Hernández recommendation throughout breaks.
“If I’ve to wager, it doesn’t matter who I’m going in opposition to, I’m going to wager on myself,” Hernández mentioned when requested if he felt just like the underdog. “Individuals possibly underestimate myself.”
Witt, needing one dwelling run to tie with one out remaining, drove a ball to one of many deepest elements of Globe Life Area in left-center, the place it hit midway up the wall to the left of the 410-foot signal.
“After I hit it I knew I sort of – I didn’t hit it nice. However, yeah, I simply was attempting to blow on it or one thing,” Witt mentioned with a chuckle. “The very first thing I believed was simply no pop. … We received to do a pair extra curls or one thing.”
Kansas Metropolis has by no means had a derby winner.
Each completed their two-minute ultimate spherical with 11 homers, earlier than bonus swings had been added. Witt got here up wanting his first two bonus swings, then hit two homers in a row – one a 457-foot drive that received him another swing.
Witt was the No. 2 general choose by the Royals in 2019 out of Colleyville Heritage Excessive Faculty, about 15 miles north of the Texas Rangers’ stadium. It was his first time within the derby, however he was the highschool dwelling run champion in Washington in 2018 – and is the one participant to compete in each contests.
The 24-year-old Witt completed with 50 homers general that traveled 3.8 miles.
Witt had knocked out Cleveland switch-hitter José Ramírez 17-12 within the semifinals. Hernández beat Philadelphia’s Alec Bohm, 16-15, after a tiebreaker when each received three swings – Hernández hit two out, and Bohm one. They had been tied at 14 after the three-minute section and their bonus rounds, and Bohm got here near avoiding that, however the final ball he hit then landed on the warning observe in left-center subject.
Ramírez and Bohm each hit 21 homers to tempo the primary spherical. Witt began with 20 homers and Hernández had 19.
The New York Mets’ Pete Alonso fell quick in his bid to affix Ken Griffey Jr. as a three-time derby champion when he hit solely 12 homers within the first spherical.
As an alternative of a single-elimination bracket like final 12 months, the 4 hitters with probably the most homers within the first spherical superior to the semifinal spherical. It then turned a bracket-style competitors.
Alonso hit a 428-foot homer to left-center subject on his first swing, however couldn’t get right into a rhythm. The others knocked out after the primary spherical had been hometown favourite Adolis García of Texas, Atlanta’s Marcell Ozuna and Baltimore’s Gunnar Henderson.
“It’s disappointing, however for me, I believe it’s actually only a blessing and it’s simply enjoyable being on the market,” Alonso mentioned. “On the finish of the day, it wasn’t my day.”
Ozuna did have the longest homer of the evening at 473 ft. Angels star Mike Trout in 2022, and Oakland’s Seth Brown in 2021 have each hit 472 ft homers in video games on the stadium that’s now in its fifth season.
Bohm, considered one of a franchise-record eight Phillies named All-Stars, has solely 11 homers this season – the fewest among the many eight derby rivals. He mentioned he was going to attempt to hit as many balls as he might to left subject and did – pulling all 21 of his homers that method within the first spherical.
It nonetheless felt like 100 levels exterior the ballpark when the derby started, however the retractable roof was closed on the stadium that opened in 2020. When the Rangers hosted the 1995 All-Star Recreation throughout the road of their previous stadium and not using a roof, the derby wasn’t but a prime-time occasion and was held within the sweltering mid-afternoon warmth.
Frank Thomas gained in 1995 with 15 homers over three rounds in a special format. Albert Belle completed with a complete of 16, then a Dwelling Run Derby file, however Thomas beat him within the ultimate spherical, 3-2.
