My kids like to watch the Home Run Derby, especially when they have a rooting interest in a home town player who happens to go on and perform well. It’s fun for them to watch their favorite sluggers swing from their heels as they clobber pitch after pitch. Kids like to watch batting practice. As for me, well I am not so much a fan. I am certainly no fan of ESPN and their coverage, which I find unlistenable, especially Chris Berman to whom I have long had an adverse opinion. I would certainly like to see some changes made.
Problem is the stadium was packed. Doubt the TV ratings were anything to shout about, but what does this thing cost MLB anyway? It’s about the only thing that baseball players can do that won’t risk injury. We’ll certainly never see real live pitchers throwing the Derby, or anything like that. It’s like a lot of things in life. I don’t watch the slam dunk competition and haven’t since Michael was a baby, but this HR Derby will limp on just the same as that, and schlubs will keep watching.
I remember watching those 9-inning, 3-out competitions between two players on ESPN classic as a kid. Those were really cool. I didn’t watch a minute of the home run derby or all-star game.