MLB Should Absolutely Recreate Old-Time 'Home Run Derby' Show During Coronavirus Stoppage
By Brady Williams
With Major League Baseball postponed for the foreseeable future, fans are looking for any way to sate their appetites. One fan propose a really cool idea that could go a long way in accomplishing just that -- reviving a decades-old television show that was the precursor to the modern Home Run Derby.
In 1960, "Home Run Derby" ran on television from January to July, and featured some of the greatest hitters of the time facing off in nine-inning home run competitions. MLB needs to seriously consider bringing it back to show something while we all wait for the league to return.
@MLB why not recreate the 1960 Home Run Derby TV show during the break? Takes only a handful of people and an empty ballpark. Just use available players from either Florida or Arizona. Set up a bracket and televise it live over a week or two. One matchup per night! @jaysonst
— Ken Krsolovic (@CoachKenK) March 19, 2020
Good idea, Coach Kent!
Two players would take turns hitting, and would be allowed three strikes per inning. While one batter hit, the other would talk with the announcers and discuss the competition, how they're staying in shape, what they're binging on Netflix, the whole gamut.
A competition among some of the most electric players in the game could fulfill some of the inevitably repetitive offseason chatter with genuine gameplay. Spring Training also showed us that hearing players mic'd up, either in the field or in the dugout, is relentlessly entertaining. Extending this in any way possible would be a big win for fans.
"I'm doing some math in my head about where he is going to throw. ... Someone bang for me."
— ESPN (@espn) March 2, 2020
—@ARizzo44 went there pic.twitter.com/m4GOqb8NxL
A modern-day version of "Home Run Derby" with improved technology is the perfect way to put out a compelling baseball product without big crowds. It could sidestep the dangers of the coronavirus pandemic if executed correctly, and allows fans to watch something special before the real thing is back. Make it happen, MLB!