Home Run Derby a major win for MLB

In Conclusion

For a game that is constantly critiqued and monitored for entertainment, the 2017 Home Run Derby was a vast success for MLB. Baseball’s sexiest offering is the long ball, and it was on full display Monday night.

The game’s elite sluggers often refrain from Derby participation for various lame reasons. Not this year. Baseball’s top two home run hitters participated–Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Judge’s and Stanton’s participation took us back to the golden derby days when Mark McGwire and Ken Griffey Jr. headlined Home Run Derbies.

Marketability is another concern for MLB. Judge and Stanton helped with that issue as well, by performing on a major stage at a major venue. Cody Bellinger is gaining momentum as a young superstar. He may be on his way to becoming one of the faces of baseball. The same goes for Gary Sanchez and Miguel Sano. All three are under the age of 25, and all three play for major market or surprise teams.

Next: Bold predictions fro the second half

This year’s Home Run Derby resulted in great ratings, a platform for derbies to come, and most importantly, growth in the game’s popularity. The Home Run Derby was a home run for MLB.