In terms of intriguing, headline-grabbing talent, MLB couldn’t have scripted a better Home Run Derby final than the one that unfolded at Citi Field Monday night (July 16). In the end, Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes put an exclamation mark on the Home Run Derby by smashing a 455-foot bomb to straightaway center field to win it.
Cespedes became the first player in history to win the derby despite not making the All-Star team.
Cespedes defeated Nationals phenom Bryce Harper in the championship as he hit nine home runs in the final round to Harper’s eight. Cespedes bashed monstrous home run after monstrous home run and easily led everyone after a first round 17.
Cespedes, who tallied 32 homers against 25 outs, hit a number of jaw-dropping shots over the course of the night.
The 27-year-old, batting .225 on the year with 15 homers and 43 RBI, hasn’t homered in a game since going deep twice back on June 21 at Seattle.
