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 /

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Jul 11, 2005; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Phillies BOBBY ABREU during the All-Star Home Run Derby on July 11, 2005 at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI. (Photo by Albert Dickson/Sporting News via Getty Images) /

2. 2005: Bobby Abreu, Comerica Park

The first half of the 2005 season was a great one for Bobby Abreu, who smashed 18 home runs before the All-Star Break, en-route to his appearance in the Home Run Derby. The derby had a different feel to it, as batters represented their home countries. Abreu represented Venezuela, and he did not disappoint.

The 2005 Home Run Derby was the first and last International Derby, as Major League Baseball was trying to bring attention to the World Baseball Classic, which would have it’s inaugural tournament in 2006.

Coming into the derby, Abreu was not considered to be a huge power hitter. Although he had 18 dingers at the break, he had never hit more than 31 in a season, but he had the power in his bat on this night.

In the first round, Abreu mashed 24 home runs, which was a derby record up until that point. After hitting six home runs in the semifinal, Abreu blasted 11 in the finals, besting Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez for the title.

In total, Abreu hit 41 home runs, which is a record that still stands today.

The derby may have ruined his swing for the rest of the season, as Abreu would only hit six home runs after the all-star break. He would finish the season with 24 home runs, and would never hit more than that in a season for the rest of his career.

Next: 1. 2008: Josh Hamilton, Yankee Stadium

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