ESPN, Home Run Derby and MLB
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We have your one-stop shop for the most power-packed day of the baseball year as the 2025 Derby champion is crowned.
Baseball fans on social media could unite over one thing Monday night: ESPN’s coverage of MLB Home Run Derby was dizzying, confusing and tough to watch.
MLB Home Run Derby stood as one of the marquee sporting events of July, but somebody apparently forgot to tell the ESPN broadcast planners. The team's presentation of Monday dinger derby at the Atlanta Braves' Truist Park drew widespread jeers on social media from fans who hated the way the broadcast was laid out and how the cameras were positioned.
The 2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby is fast approaching -- and the field is set.
First, NFL-punter-turned-podcaster Pat McAfee and producer Ty Schmit handled the introductions for the Home Run Derby participants, to the dismay of fans, many of whom felt McAfee's amped-up emceeing was loud and unnecessary.
But that wasn't the only issue. The coverage was a turn-off from the start when ESPN used Pat McAfee to do player introductions despite him having no apparent connection to baseball or the host city, Atlanta. The network used the Derby as another venue to force its high-cost former punter personality down our throats. And bruh, who asked for this?
What you need to know about this year's hitters -- and the coaches, fathers and stepfathers they chose for their biggest moment.
Oneil Cruz enters the Derby with just 16 home runs on the season, but possesses the best raw power in all of baseball with the fastest bat speed and exit velocities that regular stretch towards 120 mph. He could take over this competition if he finds a groove.