MLB: Chris Davis Wants Home Run Derby Spot

Jul 6, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) hits a two-run home run against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports /

27-year-old Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles is understandably excited about being selected to his first All Star Game (as the top vote-getter in the fan balloting, to boot), but he has his eyes set on another honor as well: participating in the Home Run Derby.

Davis was asked by the media before today’s game versus the New York Yankees (which the Orioles won in dramatic fashion) about his thoughts regarding the Home Run Derby:

"Just as much as the All-Star game means to me, as a power hitter it’s something that I’ve watched since I was little kid and something that I’ve always wanted to do. So If I’m asked I definitely want to do it."

Davis already has 33 home runs this year and has a great shot of breaking Maris’ mark of 61. The left-handed power-hitter shrugged off reporters’ worries that entering into the Home Run Derby may negatively impact his swing:

"I have my own Home Run derby every day in BP (batting practice). Every day in BP we get loose, work on stuff, but in the last few rounds it’s about who can hit it further so I’ve been practicing for a few years."

Davis received 8.27 million votes from fans, more than were given to Miguel Cabrera.

[Source: Reuters]

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