Reds’ Todd Frazier wins All-Star Derby in home park

The Great American Ball Park could live up to its name for tonight’s home run derby as it is one of the best parks for home run hitters.

“I have to go with Todd Frazier”. I was pretty fired up. So my energy level is not that high as it was earlier.

“I dropped my drink and dropped my phone and BOOM!”

Frazier ousted Texas designated hitter Prince Fielder, the 2009 and 2012 derby victor, by 14-13 while Toronto’s Josh Donaldson downed Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo 9-8 in the opening round. The O’s young star then belted 12 home runs over the course of his round, including a few moon shots that travelled 455, 461, and 469 feet.

Frazier needed just about every second. He won in walk-off fashion again in the second round, belting 10 home runs to beat Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson. He then ran off a streak of six home runs in a row, all to left field.

But Frazier wouldn’t be denied. The unsung hero of the show was Frazier’s older brother, Charlie, who kept as many as five baseballs in his hands so that Todd could keep ripping.

“We’ve talked about this for years”, Mike Bryant said. Now, he’s got a derby title to go with it. That Wild Card can come real quick. Pederson is a certain Rookie of the Year candidate as the starting center fielder for LA, and he has been an absolute tank for the Dodgers in 2015, knocking 20 goners on the year. “You know, this is the big leagues now”.

“Big-time impact”, Frazier said.

Frazier joined Ryne Sandberg (1990) as the only players to win a Home Run Derby at their home ballpark. As far as the clock, Frazier was a big fan. At the end of the time limit, whichever player has more homers will be the one to advance into the next round. “It made for you’re going to have to pick up the pace up a little bit”.

Joc Pederson may get flack for not shortening up his swing at times, but this night his swing was showcased on a national stage for all to appreciate. You have to hit it out wherever the ball’s pitched.

“This is what you dream about as a kid, ” Frazier said of the love he feels in this All-Star extravaganza.

Because of weather concerns in Cincinnati, Major League Baseball has changed its revised rules for tonight’s Home Run Derby.

Before Monday night, Joc Pederson had never taken part in an official home-run derby, at any level.

“I was thinking – honestly, this is true – that’s Pete Rose”, Frazier said. “Four minutes is a lot of time and it proved vital today”.

“I did beat [Rizzo], so I guess I kind of have bragging rights”, Bryant said. “He’s been playing this game a long time now and he takes after his father’s footsteps”.