A Home Run Derby is a way for a slugger to win if the All-Star Game in Major League Baseball continues into the night.
You can say goodbye to extra innings at the Midsummer Classic. For a winner-takes-all affair, bring in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Shohei Ohtani Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr. and Bryce Harper.
Because it is hidden deep within the 182-page memorandum signed by MLB and players’ association Thursday, there is a radical new way to potentially decide the All-Star Game.
“If the All-Star Game is tied after nine innings the game will be decided by Home Run Derby between teams subject to parties’ agreement on details” reads exhibit 13, entitled “Tentative Agreement — All-Star Game & Home Run Derby”.
The page, which was obtained by The Associated Press on March 1, was signed by Kasey Sanossian, senior counsel for MLB, and Matt Nussbaum (players’ association deputy general counsel). It is part of an 182-page agreement which led to the ending of MLB’s 99 day lockout and the opening training camps.
After the 2020 game was cancelled due to coronavirus, the All-Star Game will be held at Dodger Stadium this year on July 19. Los Angeles is the winner.
Since 1933, the All-Star Game has been extended 13 times. The last two extra innings were 10 innings in 2017 at Miami and 2018, at Washington. Managers try to get the most pitchers into the game by the ninth, which has led to teams running low on pitchers.
The MLB’s annual Home Run Derby, which takes place on the night before the All-Star Game, has been a popular event and is not listed in the document as being under threat.
