Home Run Derby

Tonight’s All-Star Game (the final All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium) is sure to be packed with great moments. Yoou’ll probably be able to choke on the Yankkee Stadium Tributes

Here’s a look back at some of the best Home Runs in All-Star Game History.

The First - Babe Ruth

July 6, 1933 - Comiskey Park, Chicago IL

The First All-Star Game was held as part of the 1933 world’s Fair in Chicago.  In a game chock full of future Hall of Famers, there was only one player who should have (and did) hit the first ever All-Star Home Run.  The Bambino, Babe Ruth. 

In the 3rd inning, Cardinals SP Bill Hallahan likely grooved a pitch that ended up as a two-run shot for the Babe.  Why’d I say he grooved it?  Here’s Hallahan about the game …

“We wanted to see the Babe. Sure, he was old and had a big waistline, but that didn’t make any difference. We were on the same field as Babe Ruth.” - Wild Bill Hallahan

And Why Not?  It was an exhibition.  It’s not like Home-Field in the World Series depended on the Game. 

The Grandest - Fred Lynn

July 6, 1983 - Comiskey Park, Chicago IL

The midsummer classic returned to Chicago for its golden anniversary.  In the bottom of the third inning, NL manager Whitey Herzog had pitcher Atlee Hammaker walk Robin Yount to load the bases for Fred Lynn. 

Fred Lynn took it personally.  He even said so after the game. 

Lynn unloaded on Hammaker, hitting the first Grand Slam in All-Star history, leading the AL to a seven-run inning and their first All-Star win in 12 years.

The Longest - Reggie Jackson

July 13, 1971 - Tiger Stadium, Detroit MI

Reggie Jackson was not yet Mr. October in 1971.  And he was only in the starting lineup as a replacement for Tony Olivo.  But in the second inning, Reggie unloaded on a 0-2 offering from Dock Ellis that might still be travelling if not for the rooftop light tower 520 feet away from home plate and 100 feet above the field. 

According to some accounts, Reggie’s ball was still rising when it nailed the tower. 

The Most Awesome - Cal Ripken, Jr.

July 10, 2001 - Safeco Field, Seattle WA

The Mariners’ Alex Rodriguez was voted the starting shortstop for the American League, with a retiring Cal Ripken at 3rd base.  In a great baseball moment, A-Rod traded positions with Cal, allowing the legendary Ripken to play his natural position at short. 

In the bottom of the third, after an extraordinary standing ovation for a living legend with the theme from “The Natural” blaring from the Safeco Field speakers, Cal Ripken Jr. tipped his cap and then blasted the first offering from Chan Ho Park over the wall.

The Most Exciting - Ichiro

July 10, 2007 - AT&T Park, San Francisco CA

Hard to belive with all the talent on the field in 77 All-Star Games, no one had ever hit an Indoor Four.

Ichiro added to his legend last season when he hit a ball off the right field wall that ricocheted past Ken Griffey Jr., allowing Ichiro to score on an Inside-The-Park Home Run that gave the American league a 2-1 Lead. 

Did I miss your favorite Home Run?  Let me know in the comments.

• Bo Jackson’s Lead off Monster in 1989?
• Ted Williams’ Eephus Home Run in 1946?
• Tony Perez’ 15th-inning dinger in 1967?
• Stan Musial’s Walk-Off in 1955? (my Dad’s favorite - he was there in Milwaukee)
• Joe Morgan’s leadoff shot in 1977 at Yankee Stadium? (that’s Joe Morgan’s Favorite)

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 15th, 2008 at 4:57 pm and is filed under MLB All-Star Game. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.