Ho-Hum Run Derby

The Home Run Derby is one of the most overrated events in sports.

The under card to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game is a snooze fest after a few minutes.

One by one, some of the game's top sluggers step up to the plate and launch long home runs off of batting practice pitchers.

Big deal.

And then, to create some kind of storybook drama, the cameras pan to the other All-Stars not participating, sprawled on the grass watching the festivities with their kids in one arm and camcorder in the other.

Yawn.

The home run is not even the most exciting moment in a baseball game, unless it immediately changes the outcome. It's much more compelling to watch a well-executed double play, a diving catch or someone scampering from first to third on a hit-and-run.

In the Home Run Derby, the pitches come in with the speed of an adrift balloon and must look the size of a volleyball to the hitter. The result is predictable: There's a swing and a deep drive to left; it's gone.

And when it comes up short, we watch a gaggle of little kids trying to catch the ball, most times the ball falling over their head or in between.

That's compelling.

The Home Run Derby is a field-day exhibition that should be reserved for family and friends.

Bring on the three-legged race.

Comments

[Seth]

You could not be more right. I think any of the sports exhibitions are overrated and dull. Same goes for the hockey fastest skater or hardest shot, and the NBA slam dunk contest. It's just stupid and a waste of time.

[KarenW]

I don't know how you can say that! I love the home run derby. It's always exciting to see players hit home runs. YOu like a double play better!!! No thanks.

[Magnus]

I'd like it more if they had to run the bases after every home run.

[Scott]

I think homerun derby is one of those things that is infinitely more fun to play than it is to watch. As a matter of fact, Dan, I'd love to see you post a top 10 list of things that fit that description.