VIDEO: Watch All of Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s 91 Home Run Derby Blasts in 60 Seconds
By Will Fowler
Though the Mets' Pete Alonso raised the Home Run Derby trophy last night, the star of the show was undoubtedly rookie phenom Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The 20-year-old broke the single-round Derby record, tied it, and then hammered it AGAIN before ultimately ducking out to Alonso in the final, but his 91 home runs were something that won't soon be forgotten, even though he didn't get the chance to double his contract with a victory. Take a look:
A record 91 bombs. 20 years old. 60 seconds ?#PLAKATA ? | #LetsGoBlueJays pic.twitter.com/nlc0kBhUel
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 9, 2019
Vladdy was quick to make an impression on those who denounced his participation in MLB's annual home run hitting spectacle, and silenced doubters as soon as he stepped into the box. Taking on the A's Matt Chapman, Vladdy hit a whopping *29* long balls, just barely breaking the previous record for home runs in a round set by Josh Hamilton at the old Yankee Stadium in 2008.
The crowd got the encore it wanted, and Vladdy's semifinal clash with Joc Pederson was undoubtedly the most exciting head-to-head since the format change. Both hung 29 in regulation, leading to a one minute swing-off. They couldn't be separated there, either, and Vladdy ultimately advanced after two additional rounds of three swings each.
Vlad Guerrero Jr. is having one of those “Griffey backwards hat,” “Frank Thomas upper deck,” “McGwire at Fenway,” “Josh Hamilton shuts down Yankee Stadium” kind of nights that makes you kids’ favorite player. #HRDerby
— Damon Amendolara (@DAonCBS) July 9, 2019
Vladdy's 22 home runs weren't enough in the final round, as Alonso put 23 over the fence and took home the gold.
Regardless, we won't be forgetting Vlad Jr.'s performance any time soon.