Yankees’ Aaron Judge puts on a show in Home Run Derby
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees won the Home Run Derby, putting on the best show in the event since Josh Hamilton dazzled the old Yankee Stadium in 2008.
The 6-foot-7 slugger hit the most home runs, sure, but he did it with uncommon skill and flair. He hit home runs to the opposite field, rare in this pull-happy event. He hit the roof of Marlins Park. He hit one 501 feet in the first round and one 507 feet in the second round. He also hit consecutive shots of 504 and 513 feet in the second round.
“He looks like a contact hitter trapped in an ogre’s body,” Colorado Rockies derby participant Charlie Blackmon said.
Did the 513 feet make him say ‘wow?’
“513?” Judge said, then paused, visibly impressed but apparently too modest to say so. “I got nothing. I got nothing for that.”
At the end of a long day in which he attracted the most media attention of any player in the All-Star game, Judge became the first rookie to win the derby.
“I had no pressure,” he said. “I’m a rookie. This is my first time doing it. For me, I’ve got no expectations.”
Follow Bill Shaikin on Twitter @BillShaikin
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