Detroit Tigers in the Home Run Derby
July 13th, 2009 | by jelletlambie |As Brandon “The Little Inge That Could” prepares to do battle in the 2009 Home Run Derby let’s take a look back at the performance of other Detroit Tigers in the competition.
MLB has been holding the derby during the All-Star Game festivities since 1985. In that time five Detroit Tigers have competed in seven contests, with Cecil Fielder being the only Tiger to compete in multiple events (3).
The early days of the derby were vastly different from the current format, which debuted in 2000.
In 1989 Mickey Tettleton hit one home run in Anaheim. Eric Davis of the Reds won the competition with three total bombs.
The following year Big Cecil competed for the first time at Wrigley Field, and posted a donut. Ryne Sandberg won the event with a total of three home runs.
Fielder returned to the derby in 1991, hitting four long balls in the Skydome. Cal Ripken Jr. took the title with 12 big flys.
Cecil made his final appearance in the derby in 1993 at Camden Yards. Again he clubbed four home runs. Former Tiger Juan Gonzalez won the competition with seven dingers.
Damion Easley found himself an unlikely competitor in the 1998 derby. He hit two home runs, in Coors Field. Ken Griffey Jr. won the event with 19 homers.
It was not until 2005 that a Tiger returned to the event, when Pudge Rodriguez battled into the finals in front of the home town crowd. He hit 20 total home runs, but was bested in the final by Bobby Abreu 11-5. Abreu hit 41 total home runs, still a record.
The following year Miguel Cabrera competed in the ‘06 derby as a Florida Marlin. He blasted 15 majestic shots into the PNC park stands, making the semi-finals. Ryan Howard went on to win the competition with 23 total bombs, five of which came in the finals.
And finally it was Magglio Ordonez representing the Tigers in 2007 at AT & T Park in San Francisco. The Big Tilde hit two home runs, the fewest of any competitor.
If Brandon Inge hopes to become the first Tiger to win the event he’ll need bullpen catcher Scott Pickens to throw strikes. Brandon will bring Pickens with him to throw the most publicized batting practice of his life. With established mashers like Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez, Carlos Pena and former champion Ryan Howard, along with upstarts Joe Mauer and Nelson Cruz also in the field Brandon will face a stiff test of his exhibition skills.
He’s probably the best all-around athlete of the group, and has been known to put on quite a show in various athletic endeavors. He’s widely known to be able to drive a golf ball more than 300 yards, has kicked a 50 yard field goal (at Ford Field) and once shot a gatorade bottle with a rubber stretching band (ala slingshot) that hit the roof of the Metrodome.
Here’s hoping the little fella can outshine his bigger opponents and finally put the trophy in the hands of a Detroit Tiger.
Have a question, comment or suggestion? Leave your thoughts below or drop me a line at jelletlambie@gmail.com
Tags: 2009 Home Run Derby preview, Brandon Inge, Detroit Tigers in the home run derby, Home Run Derby history
By John Parent on Jul 13, 2009
An interesting look at derbies gone by. I had forgotten about Easley ever being involved. The Tigs have had quite a few poor showings, hopefully Inge can make it right. Vegas says he’s 10-1 to win it, longest shot on the board.
By jelletlambie on Jul 13, 2009
I saw that 10-1 spread, I think he has a better chance than Mauer and two or three big HR hitters always tend to take the lump in these contests. I think Brandon has a legit chance, although I would pick Pujols or Fielder with a gun to my head.
Thanks for the info.
By Kurt on Jul 14, 2009
Vegas and J both know what they’re talking about, apparently.
By jelletlambie on Jul 14, 2009
Poor Brandon. It looked as if he had fun though, I know it was an honor for him to be invited.