Before Howard dazzled Pittsburgh, another Phillies player dazzled Detroit – and that player was Bobby Abreu. Abreu hit an unprecedented 41 homers on the evening, including 24 in a first round that felt like it may never end. That total is still the most in Derby history and so astonishing we don’t even feel the need to mention any of the other participants that evening.
Griffey was looking for a three-peat, but Sosa had other plans. Sosa provided the power, blasting several over the 500-foot mark. After hitting a mediocre six in the first round, he turned it on, belting 11 in the second round before blowing past Griffey 9-2 in the finals. That night, Turner Field looked tiny.
Perhaps the most home runs – and souvenirs – per volume, it was a night that seemed to go on forever. Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton boomed 28 in the first round, 20 more than any other player. It was a thing of beauty as he narrowly missed putting one over the stadium, something that was only done according to legend. He cooled off from there though and Minnesota’s Justin Morneau took over. In total, the four hitters to advance past the first round hit a combined 85 homers on the night. It was a classic – one we won’t see the likes of again for quite a while.
There might not have been a ton of taters hit, but it had everything – star power, towering shots, and even a little drama. In the end it was Bonds who beat out McGwire and Brady Anderson – yes, you read that correctly – thanks to 17 total home runs. It was the year that really allowed the contest to blossom.
Watching Jeromy Burnitz, McGwire and Griffey battle to hit dingers over the Green Monster wall in left field was captivating. While Sosa disappointed with just one homer, the three other hitters combined for 46 total, several of which were bombed out of the stadium, causing the “vultures” to scramble for their chance at a souvenir. In the end, it was Griffey who won it for the third time, solidifying his status as one of the best home run hitters of the generation. It had history, it had bombs, it had big names and it had a giant green wall – what more can you ask for from a home run hitting contest?
Ed is an MMA/Extreme Sports contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillyEdMiller, and subscribe at Facebook.com/CraveOnlineSports.
Photo Credit: Getty
