Home Run Derby: 5 best performances of all time
By Brad Weiss
4. 2010: David Ortiz, Angel Stadium of Anaheim
David Ortiz came into the 2010 Home Run Derby a hated man by the Los Angeles Angels fan base. Ortiz had tremendous success against the Angels in the postseason, and the home faithful lets him know how they felt about him, booing him when he was introduced for the derby.
By the time the derby ended, Ortiz was beloved by the Angel faithful and received a standing ovation for his efforts.
The competition came down to the 34-year old Ortiz and the 26-year old Hanley Ramirez. In a battle of young vs. old, Ortiz and Ramirez came into the final round with 21 home runs each. When all was said and done, Big Papi blasted 11 home runs in the finals, leaving Ramirez in the dust, while capturing the title.
In total, Ortiz blasted 32 home runs, which was the third highest total in Home Run Derby history. In another typical Ortiz show of class, he dedicated his win to his friend Jose Lima, who died that May of a heart attack at only 37 years old.
Six years later, Ortiz is still mashing for the Boston Red Sox, batting .337 with 20 home runs on the season.
Next: 3. 1998: Ken Griffey Jr., Coors Field