Teoscar Hernández Makes History as First Dodger to Win Home Run Derby

Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández made history as the first Dodger to win the T-Mobile Home Run Derby. Held at Globe Life Field on Monday night (July 15), the 2024 Derby saw Hernández exceed expectations in his first career appearance in the event.

Coming into the Derby, Hernández was not the favorite, but he remained confident. "People maybe underestimate me," he said after the competition. "You can see it at the end when [Bobby Witt Jr.] was hitting all those homers. Everybody was rooting for him. But I'm here, and I’m as talented as all those guys over there."

In the first round, Witt earned the No. 3 seed with 20 homers, while Hernández trailed with 19. The semifinal saw a tie-breaking swing-off with Phillies' Alec Bohm after both hit 14 home runs. Hernández prevailed and went 2-for-3 and Bohm managed just one, which secured Hernández's spot in the finals with a total of 16 home runs for Round 2.

Hernández batted first in the final and set the bar high with 14 home runs, eight of which were projected to travel farther than 425 feet, according to MLB .com. Witt matched Hernández's 11 home runs in regular time and came just one shy of tying the score in bonus time. His final swing hit the left-center-field wall, securing his victory.

In addition to making Dodgers history, Hernández became the seventh Dominican-born player to win the Derby and the second in three years.

Dodgers third-base coach Dino Ebel, who pitched for Hernández during the contest, stayed by his side.

"I kind of sat back behind the chair and watched him,” Ebel said. “He was excited. You could see it. When he stood up and raised his hands, I looked up to his family, and they were jumping up in joy. That's the thrill I get out of it."