Madison Bumgarner puts word in with Troy Tulowitzki about joining HR Derby

By Dan Zinski | Jul 7, 2014

May 14, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) high fives starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) after scoring a run against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

There has never been a pitcher in the Home Run Derby, for obvious reasons. But if Madison Bumgarner gets his way that will all change this year. The Giants’ Bumgarner has “put a word in” with NL captain Troy Tulowitzki about participating in this year’s derby, according to Alex Pavlovic of the San Jose Mercury News.

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Perhaps unsurprisingly, Bumgarner says he has not yet heard back from Tulowitzki. The Giants’ pitcher has a career .153 batting average with 4 home runs in 24 RBI. He has hit two home runs in 2014 including a grand slam.

It’s possible – actually likely – that Bumgarner was just kidding, but if so, perhaps he should stop kidding and seriously pursue getting into the Home Run Derby. Let’s face it, the derby has become a little dull over the years. One way to spice it up would be to allow pitchers like Bumgarner to participate.

We know that pitchers who can hit a little enjoy showing off their skills in BP, so why not the derby? Why not let pitchers get out there and try to loft those super-juiced Home Run Derby balls over the fence a la Mark McGwire and Jason Giambi?

It could be very entertaining watching pitchers in the derby. If guys like Bumgarner are willing to do it, why not?

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