Home Run Derby: 5 best performances of all time

By Brad Weiss | Jul 9, 2016

Jul 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; General view of the video board as the home run derby participants stand for the National Anthem prior to the 2015 Home Run Derby the day before the MLB All Star Game at Great American Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

4 of 6

6 Jul 1998: American League member Ken Griffey Jr. #24 of the Seattle Mariners watches after hitting the ball during the All-Star Home Run Derby at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport /

3. 1998: Ken Griffey Jr., Coors Field

In the history of Major League Baseball, no season was defined by the home run like 1998. Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire were mashing their way to Roger Maris’ single-season home run record, and the Home Run Derby was played in Colorado, where balls fly out of Coors Field.

The greatest home run hitter of that generation was arguably Ken Griffey Jr., who managed to hit 630 home runs despite being bit by the injury bug throughout his career.

Prior to the home run derby, Griffey stated he would not participate, leading to hatred from the Colorado faithful. Griffey was the leading vote-getter in either league, and he was booed during batting practice because he did not want to hit in the derby.

He decided to hit minutes before showtime, and the rest is history. In total, Griffey hit 19 home runs en-route to winning the derby, and in the process, became the first two-time winner of the event.

The player known as “The Kid” beat Cleveland Indians’ star Jim Thome in the finals to win his second event. The following year, Griffey would win the derby in Boston, and is still the only player to win three times.

There is little to argue about the impact Griffey has had on the derby, appearing in eight contests, which is a record.

Next: 2. 2005: Bobby Abreu, Comerica Park

Home/MLB