Albuquerque Isotopes Home Run Derby X (2024)

FAQs

How to do a home run derby? ›

The object of the game is for the batter to score as many Home Runs as possible by hitting the ball off the cone (tee) and landing it beyond the fence cones without being caught by an outfielder. Outfielders will try to catch each hit before the ball touches the ground.

Eight players are seeded based on their season home run totals and are given five minutes to hit as many home runs as possible. The winner of each head-to-head matchup advances, until a final winner is determined.

At the end of regulation rounds, players will be granted 30 seconds of bonus time at the end of each period. They can earn an additional 30 seconds — totaling 60 seconds of total bonus time — if they've hit at least two home runs that equal or exceed 440 feet in the regulation period.

During a regular season baseball game, MLB hitters routinely see pitches ranging from 90-100 mph, but in the Home Run derby they are being fed batting practice pitches of only 50-60 mph.

Pete Alonso came out on top in the event, but Juan Soto stole the show with a record-setting home run. The then-Nationals outfielder launched a 520-foot blast that nearly cleared the upper deck in right-center field. Here is where Soto's moonshot ranks among the longest Home Run Derby homers since 2016.

MLB sets aside around $2.5 million to be distributed to the event participants. The winner takes home $1 million and the runner-up collects $750,000. The other six competitors split enough to add another nice car to their collection.

The winner of the Home Run Derby gets a $1 million prize.

Contestants in the finals, or the third round, get two minutes. Each contestant gets a bonus of 30 seconds at the end of each regulation period, and can earn another 30 seconds if he hits at least one home run 440 feet. Each contestant gets one 45-second time out during each regulation period.

A pitching machine is usually used for consistency, though not required. For this event, a home run in the baseball division must fly 200 feet; a softball needs to travel 150 feet. Specific bat regulations keep the playing field even.

According to the “SABR Baseball List & Record Book,” there have been 32 walk-off home runs hit by pitchers (including one apiece in the American Association and Federal League). Today, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the most recent occurrence.

How hard should a 17 year old pitcher throw? ›

How hard should a 17-year-old throw? Most 17-year-old players are high school juniors with 3 years of high school and 3-4 years of travel ball experience behind them. Junior year is a big recruiting year for college coaches. Average players often throw in the upper 70s and low 80s.

A home run derby is another exciting fundraising idea that can attract a large crowd. Invite players from your team and other teams in the area to participate in a friendly competition to see who can hit the most home runs. Charge an entry fee for each participant and sell food and drinks to spectators.

Home Run Derby candidates are selected based on total HRs through the first half of the season and home park factor. So, a player who has 50 HRs in Coors might not make the HR derby over a player who has 45 HRs in Petco.

Even if a school has multiple teams, they may only have one home run derby participant. Each participant will get up to one minute to hit as many home runs as possible. There is no pitch limit - there is only a time limit. Each participant must provide at least four fielders (though more are welcome!)

You can find MLB Home Run Derby tickets for as low as $274, with an average price of $637.