By Miguel Rapetti
15 Jul 2024, 23:42 PM EDT
Los Angeles Dodgers Dominican outfielder Teoscar Hernández managed to lift the 2024 Home Run Derby trophy this Monday, beating Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. in a competition played at Global Life Field in Texas before 38,578 fans.
Hernandez managed to hit 14 home runs in the final, surpassing Witt Jr. in a movie-like ending, who finished the event with 13 home runs and who ended up losing in the last two swings the opportunity to equal or surpass the 31-year-old player.
However, the Dominican’s path was not easy, especially in the semi-final where he ended up participating in a sudden death swing round, tied at 15 home runs with Alex Bohm (Philadelphia Phillies), whom he ended up beating 16 to 15.
In addition, the Dominican made history by becoming the first player in Dodgers history to hit a home run in the competition.
Additionally, Hernandez became the oldest champion (31 years and 274 days) in the Home Run Derby since his compatriot David Ortiz accomplished the feat at 34 years and 237 days.
The powerful hitter not only took home a trophy that certifies him as a champion, but also added a million dollars to his coffers.
Teoscar Hernández became the eighth Dominican to win the title after Sammy Sosa (2000), Miguel Tejada (2004), Vladimir Guerrero Sr. (2007), David Ortiz (2010), Robinson Canó (2011), Juan Soto (2022) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2023).
As for New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, he ended up being the biggest disappointment, going into the game with the intention of tying Ken Griffey Jr. as the only players with three Home Run Derby titles, but he ended up hitting 12 home runs and ending up being eliminated in the first round.
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