Dominican Teoscar Hernández Triumphs in MLB Home Run Derby

In a dramatic finish, Dominican slugger Teoscar Hernández clinched victory at the MLB Home Run Derby, making history as the first Dodgers player to win the event. He showcased his resilience and determination the night as he battled through each round.

When Teoscar Hernández started his career with the Houston Astros, he was a bottom-of-the-order player trying to find his place. With the Toronto Blue Jays, he was often overshadowed by younger, homegrown talent. Now, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Hernández bats behind Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. But on Monday night, it was Hernández’s turn to shine in the spotlight.

Hernández’s journey to victory was nothing short of dramatic. Nearly eliminated in both the first and second rounds, he became the first Dodgers player to win the Home Run Derby, edging out Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. in the final round. Witt’s last swing of the night, which would have tied the score, fell just short, hitting the base of the center field wall.

“If I have to bet, it doesn’t matter who I’m going against; I’m going to bet on myself,” Hernández said. “People maybe underestimate me, and you could see it at the end when Witt hit all those homers. But I’m here.”

In the first round, Hernández was one home run away from elimination. He advanced to the finals by defeating Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm in a second-round swing-off. In the finals, Hernández hit 14 home runs, while Witt finished with 13, narrowly missing a tie with his final swing.

“Oh man, I was nervous,” Hernández said. “Thank God it didn’t go out, so super happy.”

The Derby Experience

This year, the Home Run Derby lacked the flash of some previous competitions. There were no moments like Ken Griffey Jr. in Baltimore, Mark McGwire in Boston, or Josh Hamilton in the Bronx. It didn’t have the electric atmosphere of Julio Rodriguez or Bryce Harper delivering iconic rounds in front of their home crowds. But Hernández’s steady performance, competing consistently throughout the event, earned him the victory.

The competition saw some of the big sluggers eliminated early. New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, aiming to become only the second three-time Home Run Derby champion after Griffey, did not advance beyond the first round. Alonso struggled, going eight swings without a homer and finishing with only nine in regulation. He added three more in the bonus round, but 12 was the second lowest of any competitor.

“Obviously in it to win it,” Alonso said. “But it’s always enjoyable out there, so I had a blast doing it.”

Many of the game’s top sluggers have declined to participate in recent years, but this was Alonso’s fifth Derby, making him the eighth player to participate so many times. New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, who leads the majors with 34 home runs at the break, did not participate this year.

“This is just an event that I’ve admired since I was a kid,” Alonso said. “I’m doing it for my 7- or 8-year-old self.”

Unexpected Twists

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, an AL MVP candidate and the participant with the most first-half home runs, finished with only 11 in the first round, the lowest total in the Derby. Despite hitting four in a row at one point, Henderson couldn’t sustain a hot streak.

“My legs were just shot,” Hernández said. “It was an unreal experience, but (watching on TV) doesn’t show how tired you get and how quick.”

Atlanta Braves DH Marcell Ozuna, who had the second-most first-half homers, hit the longest home run of the first round at 473 feet but ended with a total of 16. Texas Rangers’ Adolis García, a hometown favorite, hit 18 home runs in regulation but failed to add any in the bonus round, falling one short of advancing.

Had Ozuna hit one more home run, Hernández would have been eliminated. Instead, the door was kept open, and Hernández kept advancing. On the sideline, teammate Shohei Ohtani advised Hernández to target left-center rather than pulling straight down the line. Former teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also became one of Hernández’s most prominent supporters, cheering him on with a vintage Hernández Blue Jays jersey.

“That was one of the biggest surprises tonight,” Hernández said.

A New Champion

Hernández’s victory may have surprised some, but his consistent performance throughout the Derby showcased his talent and determination. He maintained his focus and resilience despite being nearly eliminated twice, ultimately winning the title.

The Derby, though less flashy than in previous years, highlighted the drama and tension inherent in the competition. Each round brought challenges and surprises, from the early eliminations of favorites to the nail-biting finish in the finals.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, Hernández’s victory at the Home Run Derby will highlight his career, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His win also underscores the depth and talent within the Dodgers’ lineup, adding another star to their constellation.

Hernández’s journey from a rookie struggling for recognition to a Derby champion reflects his growth and perseverance in the sport. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver in crucial moments will be remembered as one of the standout stories of the 2024 MLB season.

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Teoscar Hernández’s triumph in the MLB Home Run Derby is a testament to his resilience and talent. Nearly eliminated twice, he battled through each round to claim the title, becoming the first Dodgers player to win the event. His victory, achieved with steady performance rather than a singular flash, adds another chapter to his career and highlights the drama and excitement of the Home Run Derby. As the season continues, Hernández’s Derby win will stand out as a significant achievement, showcasing his ability to shine on the biggest stage.