Ranking the Twins' Top 5 Home Run Derby Moments

[Cody Christie]

Monday night is one of the most exciting parts of the All-Star Game as sluggers from both leagues look to be crowned Home Run Derby champion. Here are the best Minnesota moments from the Derby.

 

The Twins had an opportunity to add to this list during the 2022 Home Run Derby, but Byron Buxton turned down an invitation to participate. Buxton wasn't the only player to turn down an invite, as some All-Stars need to get as much rest as possible even when attending the week's festivities. Still, there are plenty of other Home Run Derby moments that some fans may or may not remember. 

5. Joe Mauer Holds His Own
Fans don't typically associate Joe Mauer with home runs, but his sweet swing can produce power. During his MVP season, Mauer was selected to participate in the Home Run Derby in St. Louis. He missed the second-round cut after losing a swing-off to Carlos Pena and Albert Pujols. Former Twin Nelson Cruz finished second in the Derby to Milwaukee's Prince Fielder. 

4. Metrodome Hosts First Official Home Run Derby
At the 1985 All-Star Game, Minnesota hosted the Mid-Summer Classic for the second time. Part of these hosting duties included hosting the first HR Derby. Since then, the Derby has come a long way with the hype on TV and social media and tons of sponsorships. Dave Parker was named the champion with six home runs, while Minnesota's Tom Brunansky finished tied for second with four homers. 

3. Miguel Sano Falls Short in Final
In his only All-Star appearance, Miguel Sano finished one home run behind Aaron Judge in the 2017 HR Derby Final. Sano had clobbered 21 home runs during the first half, so he was a deserving participant. He showed up on the big stage and had a chance to be the club's second HR Derby champion. Current Twin Gary Sanchez was one of the players Sano had to defeat to make the final. 

2. Target Field Provides Picture Perfect Derby Backdrop
The 2014 All-Star Game festivities occurred at Target Field, and the HR Derby line-up included multiple current and former Twins. Brian Dozier got to represent Minnesota, but he struggled and only hit two home runs. Other Twins-related contestants were former Twin Justin Morneau and future Twin Josh Donaldson. Yoenis Cespedes walked away with the title, and a passing storm provided a full rainbow over the stadium. 

1. Justin Morneau Upsets Josh Hamilton's Show
Justin Morneau is the only player in franchise history to compete in multiple Home Run Derbies. In the 2007 Derby, he finished fifth and missed the cut to make the second round. He returned in 2008 and got an upset win at Yankee Stadium. Josh Hamilton smashed 28 home runs in the first round, but Morneau was more rested and took home the title. It's the franchise's only HR Derby win, and it came from one of the best power hitters in franchise history. 

 What do you remember about the Home Run Derbies mentioned above? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.

 

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[jimbo92107]

I remember Morneau's win over Hamilton, who was trying to set a record for most homers in the competition's history. As a result, Hamilton wore himself out with ferocious swings in the second round. By the final, he was clearly arm-weary, and angry. I felt a little bad for him, but not as much as I was happy for our boy. Morneau became an MVP partly because he was very smart. 

[nicksaviking]

Yeah, Morneau rope-a-doped Hamilton!

Remembering back on it, I remember how disappointed all of non-Twins nation was that Hamilton didn't get the crown for that performance. I'm guessing if the two battled again today, there wouldn't be too many people cheering for Hamilton.

[Aerodeliria]

Great fun. Thank you.