Yoenis Cespedes has claimed the title of winner of this year’s Home Run Derby in Citi Field.
The Cuban slugger for the Oakland A’s was a last minute pick by American League captain Robinson Cano, and he didn’t let down. Cespedes held his own from the very beginning knocking in 17 homers in the first round alone, taking a commanding lead.
Cespedes’ power launched the balls well into the upper rows, dazzling the anxious NYC crowd. Credit also goes to 20-year-old Bryce Harper, who stunned the critics and hit his way into the finals, despite nursing injuries for most of the year.
Cespedes won in ‘walk off’ fashion hitting 9 homers to Harper’s 8. As for the much talked about Chris Davis, he fared well enough to advance to the second round but there he hit only 4.
Congrats to Cespedes, who seemed elated at getting the trophy.