Fewest home runs in HR Derby history

Plenty is said about winners of the Home Run Derby. But, which players have struggled the most to deliver moonshots when the lights shined brightest? 

Every year, the best power hitters in the MLB convene to do what they do best: smack home runs as far as possible. The annual Home Run Derby generally features dozens of moonshots from eight participants.

However, not every player who accepts an invitation to the event delivers on the hype. There’s a difference between hitting in a game and hitting in what essentially amounts to televised, heavily scrutinized batting practice. While BP is generally much easier than game action, the bright lights can effect even the game’s most prodigious hitters.

From Baseball Reference: Ken Griffey Jr. holds the record for most home run derby wins (3). Pete Alonso holds the record for the most home runs in a single round (35). Vladimir Guerrero Jr. holds the record for the most in a single event (91).

But, who holds the less esteemed record of fewest home runs in the derby?

Fewest home runs in HR Derby history

Nineteen players have hit a whopping zero homers at the derby. That’s right — since the Home Run Derby’s inception in 1985, 19 of the best hitters in the world have shown up only to whiff completely.

The following names are in the exclusive HR Derby nothingburger club:

• Gary Gaetti
• Ken Griffey Jr.
• Jose Canseco
• Cecil Fielder
• Bobby Bonilla
• Darryl Strawberry
• Chris Sabo
• Howard Johnson
• Mike Piazza (x2)
• Gary Sheffield
• Greg Vaughn
• Nomar Garciaparra
• Jim Thome
• Troy Glaus
• Bret Boone
• Jason Bay
• Brandon Inge
• Robinson Cano
• Yasiel Puig

That’s one of the most accomplished lists of MLB players you will ever find. Ken Griffey Jr. literally holds the record for most HR Derby wins. He is, on a fundamental level, one of the best hitters ever. It really can happen to anyone.

Mike Piazza made a career of towering moonshots. He flopped twice… in back-to-back years.

The most recent offender is Yasiel Puig in 2014. Not long ago, Puig was considered one of baseball’s most promising young talents. His career has taken quite the downward spiral since then, but he serves here as further proof that even the best showmen in the sport can lay an egg on derby night.

The 2023 MLB Home Run Derby will air at 8 PM E.T. on Monday, July 10. Who wins? And will anyone round up the nothingburger club to a clean 20? Only time will tell.