Teoscar Hernandez wins thrilling 2024 Home Run Derby
Los Angeles Dodgers #37 Teoscar Hernandez won the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby.
ARLINGTON, TX – Teoscar Hernandez had only hit one home run in his entire career at Global Life Field coming into All-Star weekend. He crushed 49 of them Monday to win the 2024 Home Run Derby defeating Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. by one run in the final round 14-13. In doing so Hernandez became the first Dodger in their illustrious history to win Derby.
"This is amazing, everything that I'm feeling right now," said Hernandez. "There's no words I can describe what I'm feeling. In front of family, in front of everybody that is here.
This year's Derby lacked some of the league's biggest home run-mashing superstars such as Shohei Ohtani, Bryce Harper, and Aaron Judge. However, a highly competitive field; especially in the final rounds, coupled with some dark horses exceeding their expectations made for a wildly entertaining night for the sold-out crowd at Global Life Field and the millions watching on TV worldwide.
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Gunnar Henderson was the odds-on favorite entering the Derby with 28 home runs at the All-Star break. Two-time Derby winner Pete Alonso of the New York Mets wasn't far behind according to oddsmakers. The pair also had the two highest average bat speeds this season out of the eight participants with both hitters averaging over 75 miles-per-hour on their swings.
In the opening round, Alonso had the worst Derby round of his career as the former two-time winner hit only twelve balls out of the park, far below the first-round cut-off. It was the lowest score for a round in his illustrious Derby career. Henderson couldn't even manage that, hitting only 11 home runs in the first round, which was the lowest total by any participant this year. Just like that, two of the heavyweights were gone.
Hernandez struggled early but strategic timeouts, motivation, and advice from his current teammate Ohtani and former Blue Jays teammate, star slugger Vladamir Guerro Jr. helped turn his swing around. Guerro Jr. wore Hernandez's old Blue Jay jersey and was by his side every time-out imparting some of the tips that helped him win last year's Derby.
"He said yesterday, 'I've got a surprise for you," said Hernandez of Guerro Jr. "I'm going to show it tomorrow.' And what he said helped."
As the stadium lights went out and legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer stepped to the podium to announce the final two competitors you could sense we were in store for an epic heavyweight fight. Witt Jr and Hernandez did not disappoint going toe-to-toe til the final moment.
Hitting first Hernandez put up 14 runs in the final round. Witt Jr. soared from behind late after a slow start, to put himself within striking distance with 11 runs as time expired. With three bonus outs remaining, the Derby title seemed within reach. Witt Jr. mashed two homers and on his final attempt to tie he hit a towering shot straight up, bringing everyone to the edge of their seat.
However, that moon shot came straight back down, hitting the bottom of the wall a few feet short of sending the championship to a swing-off.
"Oh man I was nervous," said Hernandez. "Thank God it didn't go out!"
Hernandez ran to hug his wife in pure joyful exuberance after winning his first Home Run Derby and the $1,000,000 cash prize that comes along with it. Before hoisting up the trophy he celebrated with Tyler Glasnow, Ohtani, and Guerro Jr with the latter grinning ear-to-ear.
"I'm feeling very, very proud of Teo," said Guerro Jr. "He's my brother. What can I say about Teo, I'm so proud of him right now."
Hernandez and the Dodgers hope to add one more title to their collection this season as they resume their season on Friday against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium.