Historical Performances
Home run derby winner – The Home Run Derby has been a Major League Baseball tradition since 1985, providing fans with an exciting showcase of power hitting. Over the years, some of the game’s greatest sluggers have taken part in the Derby, producing memorable performances and etching their names in the record books.
The home run derby winner is often a player with a powerful swing and a knack for hitting the ball a long way. One player who fits this description is Juan Fernando Quintero. Quintero is a Colombian footballer who plays for River Plate in Argentina.
He is known for his long-range shooting ability and his ability to create chances for his teammates. While Quintero is not a baseball player, his skills would translate well to the home run derby. He has the power to hit the ball a long way, and he is also a good contact hitter.
If Quintero ever decided to try his hand at baseball, he would be a force to be reckoned with in the home run derby.
To recognize these outstanding achievements, here’s a chronological list of past Home Run Derby winners, along with their team, year of victory, and number of home runs hit:
Past Home Run Derby Winners
| Rank | Year | Winner | Team | Home Runs Hit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1985 | Dave Parker | Cincinnati Reds | 14 |
| 2 | 1986 | Gary Carter | New York Mets | 11 |
| 3 | 1987 | Andre Dawson | Chicago Cubs | 19 |
| 4 | 1988 | Bo Jackson | Kansas City Royals | 13 |
| 5 | 1989 | Kevin Mitchell | San Francisco Giants | 13 |
| 6 | 1990 | Cecil Fielder | Detroit Tigers | 13 |
| 7 | 1991 | Rafael Palmeiro | Texas Rangers | 13 |
| 8 | 1992 | Juan Gonzalez | Texas Rangers | 16 |
| 9 | 1993 | Juan Gonzalez | Texas Rangers | 15 |
| 10 | 1994 | Frank Thomas | Chicago White Sox | 15 |
| 11 | 1995 | Greg Vaughn | San Diego Padres | 15 |
| 12 | 1996 | Barry Bonds | San Francisco Giants | 25 |
| 13 | 1997 | Tuffy Rhodes | Chicago Cubs | 11 |
| 14 | 1998 | Ken Griffey Jr. | Seattle Mariners | 19 |
| 15 | 1999 | Sammy Sosa | Chicago Cubs | 20 |
| 16 | 2000 | Sammy Sosa | Chicago Cubs | 27 |
| 17 | 2001 | Luis Gonzalez | Arizona Diamondbacks | 20 |
| 18 | 2002 | Jason Giambi | New York Yankees | 31 |
| 19 | 2003 | Garret Anderson | Anaheim Angels | 25 |
| 20 | 2004 | Miguel Tejada | Baltimore Orioles | 27 |
| 21 | 2005 | Bobby Abreu | Philadelphia Phillies | 41 |
| 22 | 2006 | Ryan Howard | Philadelphia Phillies | 23 |
| 23 | 2007 | Vladimir Guerrero | Los Angeles Angels | 29 |
| 24 | 2008 | Josh Hamilton | Texas Rangers | 28 |
| 25 | 2009 | Prince Fielder | Milwaukee Brewers | 23 |
| 26 | 2010 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox | 21 |
| 27 | 2011 | Robinson Cano | New York Yankees | 32 |
| 28 | 2012 | Prince Fielder | Milwaukee Brewers | 28 |
| 29 | 2013 | Yoenis Cespedes | Oakland Athletics | 32 |
| 30 | 2014 | Giancarlo Stanton | Miami Marlins | 27 |
| 31 | 2015 | Todd Frazier | Cincinnati Reds | 29 |
| 32 | 2016 | Giancarlo Stanton | Miami Marlins | 61 |
| 33 | 2017 | Aaron Judge | New York Yankees | 47 |
| 34 | 2018 | Bryce Harper | Washington Nationals | 42 |
| 35 | 2019 | Pete Alonso | New York Mets | 57 |
| 36 | 2021 | Pete Alonso | New York Mets | 74 |
| 37 | 2022 | Juan Soto | Washington Nationals | 53 |
Player Profiles
Meet the top 5 Home Run Derby winners, each with an impressive career filled with memorable moments and incredible statistics.
These sluggers have showcased their exceptional power and consistency, leaving their mark on baseball history with their extraordinary performances.
Giancarlo Stanton
- Two-time Home Run Derby winner (2016, 2021)
- NL Rookie of the Year (2010)
- NL MVP (2017)
- Four-time Silver Slugger
- Set the record for the longest home run in MLB history (504 feet)
Pete Alonso
- Two-time Home Run Derby winner (2019, 2021)
- NL Rookie of the Year (2019)
- Two-time Silver Slugger
- Led the NL in home runs in 2019 and 2020
- Set the record for most home runs by a rookie (53)
Yoenis Céspedes, Home run derby winner
- Home Run Derby winner (2013)
- Two-time All-Star
- Silver Slugger (2016)
- Led the AL in stolen bases in 2012
- Known for his acrobatic catches and powerful throws
Joc Pederson
- Home Run Derby winner (2015)
- World Series champion (2020)
- Gold Glove winner (2021)
- Known for his versatility, playing both the outfield and first base
- Set the record for most home runs in a single inning (3)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Home Run Derby winner (2021)
- AL Rookie of the Year (2019)
- Two-time All-Star
- Silver Slugger (2021)
- Son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero
Techniques and Strategies: Home Run Derby Winner
To conquer the Home Run Derby, participants employ a diverse array of techniques and strategies. These range from mastering swing mechanics to carefully selecting pitches and cultivating mental resilience.
Swing Mechanics
Optimizing swing mechanics is paramount. Players focus on generating maximum bat speed and power through efficient body movements. They employ various techniques, such as the “coil” (loading the back leg and hips) and the “hip hinge” (rotating the hips while keeping the spine straight), to create explosive swings.
Take Giancarlo Stanton, the 2016 Home Run Derby champion. His signature “Stantonian swing” combines a powerful coil with a quick, explosive hip hinge, resulting in towering home runs.
Pitch Selection
Pitch selection is equally crucial. Participants study opposing pitchers’ tendencies to identify and target pitches they can drive for home runs. They often prefer high fastballs, as they provide ample time to adjust their swing and generate power.
For example, in the 2019 Home Run Derby, Pete Alonso showcased his exceptional pitch recognition skills. He consistently selected pitches in his power zone and punished them with thunderous home runs.
Mental Preparation
Mental fortitude is indispensable. Participants face intense pressure and must maintain focus and composure throughout the competition. They employ visualization techniques, positive self-talk, and breathing exercises to stay relaxed and confident.
Aaron Judge, the 2017 Home Run Derby winner, is renowned for his unwavering mental toughness. He visualizes hitting home runs and uses deep breathing exercises to stay calm under pressure.
The home run derby winner is a prestigious award given to the player with the most home runs in the competition. One player who has never won the award but is still considered one of the best hitters in the game is Juan Fernando Quintero.
Quintero is a Colombian midfielder who currently plays for River Plate in Argentina. He is known for his exceptional passing ability, dribbling skills, and long-range shooting. Despite his impressive resume, Quintero has yet to win the home run derby. However, he remains one of the most dangerous hitters in the game, and he is always a threat to hit a home run.
