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Braves Freddie Freeman to Participate in the 2018 MLB Home Run Derby

By Brian Cox

ATLANTA, GA JUNE 16: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a single during the game between Atlanta and San Diego on June 16th, 2018 at SunTrust Park in Atlanta, GA. The Atlanta Braves defeated the San Diego Padres by a score of 1 0. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA JUNE 16: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a single during the game between Atlanta and San Diego on June 16th, 2018 at SunTrust Park in Atlanta, GA. The Atlanta Braves defeated the San Diego Padres by a score of 1 0. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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FLUSHING, NY – 1987: Outfielder Dale Murphy #3 of the Atlanta Braves follows through after swinging at a pitch during a game in 1987 against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. (Photo by: Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

1985 – Dale Murphy

In the inaugural MLB Home Run Derby, Dale Murphy finished tied for 2nd with 4 other players with 4 home runs. Dave Parker of the Cincinnati Reds won the contest with 6 home runs. Dale would go on to lead the National League with 37 home runs that season.

1987 – Ozzie Virgil, Jr.

With just 4 participants in the 1987 Home Run Derby, Ozzie Virgil, Jr. finished as the runner-up behind Andre Dawson. Dawson, who had a meager 4 home runs, won the contest over Virgil, Jr. who finished with 2 dingers. Virgil was not much of a hitter over his major league career, hitting just .243/.324/.416 over his major league career and finishing short of 100 career home runs, but he would have his career-high with 27 dingers in 1987.

1993 – David Justice

1993 proved to be another lackluster year in terms of Home Run Derby totals.  Juan Gonzalez beat Ken Griffey, Jr. in a playoff after each player totaled 7 home runs in regulation.  David Justice finished the derby in 6th place with a grand total of 2 jacks. Justice would go on to finish the 1993 season with 40 home runs, the first of two 40-homer seasons for him over his career, but really his last full great season for the Braves before injuries began to dig into his playing time over the next three seasons, leading to his trade to the Indians after the 1996 season.

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