After watching Monday’s Home Run Derby, I couldn’t help but notice the names on the board just didn’t carry the anticipation and ambiance of years gone by.
David Ortiz certainly has his place in history as a clutch power hitter in one of the most storied venues in all of baseball. However, he must have had the same feeling Yao Ming has standing amongst his fellow countrymen.
Ortiz stood a head and shoulder above the competition, and although the other competitors hit some deep dingers, there has certainly been some premiere, although likely juiced up, sluggers who outrank this year’s competition.
Here is a list of the Top 10 Home Run Derby participants of the last 20 years who made the event more exciting than it is today.