July 15, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; National League first baseman Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers (5) during the 2024 Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Teoscar Hernandez won the 2024 Home Run Derby in dramatic fashion, with the night coming down to one last throw from Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., whose final attempt fell short.
Hernandez, who is the first Dodgers player to win the Home Run Derby, was the first to do so in history. But thanks to a new Home Run Derby format and a game-winning hit by a player built for the biggest moments, the franchise’s 14th attempt was the winner.
Early on, Hernandez had a large cheering section with support from his former Toronto Blue Jays teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and fellow Dodgers All-Stars Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith and Tyler Glasnow.
But the Home Run Derby went on, with most Dodgers players away with their families. For Smith and Freeman, it was about their responsibilities as fathers, according to Jack Harris of the LA Times:
They were on a mission to care for their fathers, having brought their young children with them to Texas this week.
“I had to leave early,” joked Smith, whose daughter Charlotte is almost 2. “My daughter didn’t want it.”
So did Freeman, who was in town with his three sons, Charlie, Maximus and Brandon.
Guerrero Jr. wore a Blue Jays version of Hernandez’s jersey, paying tribute to his friend. With that support, Hernandez was focused on his task despite the untimely departure of his current teammates.
He also held no grudge against his teammates for going out during his run in the Derby:
Hernandez said he didn’t give his teammates a hard time, joking that he barely noticed until social media users questioned their absences Tuesday.
“In the end, it was a good day,” he said. “I won. That’s all that matters.”
Team camaraderie has not been an issue, as the Dodgers are rock solid in their unwavering support for one another. Evidenced by their cheerful play and professional demeanor, with Hernández reinforcing that notion, which silences any rumors of trouble behind the scenes.
Hernandez may be a first-year Dodgers player, but he’s made a huge impact in his short stint with the club.
Teoscar Hernandez played center field in the All-Star Game
After his Home Run Derby victory on Monday, Hernandez earned the National League All-Star Game start in center field.
He last played center field with the Blue Jays in 2021, but Hernández was a logical choice to fill the vacant starting role. It was his primary position starting in the minor leagues, though 6,115 of his 6,934.1 career innings have come as a corner outfielder in the major leagues.
The Dodgers slugger was confident in his ability to play the position, and he looked in great shape during the exhibition game.
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News Source : dodgerblue.com
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