Can We Talk About The Kid Robbing Home Runs At The Home Run Derby Last Night?

Two things about last night:

1. I’m not sure I’ve ever hated anyone like I hated this kid, though I use the term “kid” loosely. That young man is no less than 16, running around out there in full baseball gear trying to make Web Gems while a bunch of six year olds just try and stay alive. I noticed him first try to do a Griffey one-leg plant on the wall, which he failed, but shortly thereafter he made this play. Hey, pal, it’s not about you. You’re a guest on that baseball field. Pick up the warning track shots and throw them in, but don’t you go running around out there like you’re Jackie Bradley. There’s one rule for a Home Run Derby shagger and it’s don’t try and rob the goddamned home runs. That’s it. I wouldn’t be shocked to find out this kid is some dork like Foul Ball Guy who just looks 14 but is actually 40. Save the weekend warrior shit for your beer league you old ass child.

2. Every year leading up to the Home Run Derby people love to bitch about it and say how it’s no longer entertaining but it’s time we stop that. Yes, Berman is still annoying. Yes, there are some players who aren’t exactly on the same level as others. But the Home Run Derby absolutely does not stink anymore. There were a few down years between the steroid era and last year, but with the rule change it’s absolutely back to being a show. Between buzzer beater home runs and Giancarlo Stanton DESTROYING baseballs, it’s must-see stuff. The camera work could use some improvement since the clock aspect means we miss about half of the swings, but the Home Run Derby as an event is most certainly back. If you didn’t have fun watching Stanton and Trumbo literally send people running from their seats then you’re just a liar.