The Key Pitchers Behind the Hitters in the Home Run Derby
The
Home Run Derby is an event where the spotlight is on the hitters, but behind each star seeking to hit the most home runs, there is a pitcher who plays a fundamental role. These pitchers, often coaches, parents, or important figures in the participants’ lives, also face the adrenaline and unique circumstances of the event.
This year, at the Derby, we will see eight sluggers competing for the title, but each of them will share the experience with someone who has thrown them practice balls for years.
Here are the players who will compete and who will be pitching for them next Monday.
Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves
Olson, who was the last to be added to the event, already has experience in the Derby (2021). Eddie Pérez, former catcher and coach of the Braves, will be the one to pitch to him.
It’s weird at first, because it’s something you never do, without a batting cage, a full stadium.
Matt Olson
Olson, who grew up in Atlanta, will seek to connect more towards right and center field, taking advantage of the advantages that Truist Park offers for left-handed hitters. Right field has “the Chop House”, and he considers it more impressive to see the ball fall there.
James Wood, Washington Nationals
Wood, who is preparing custom bats, will be pitched by Ricky Gutierrez, third base coach for the Nationals. Wood and Gutierrez have discussed the possibility of Wood participating in the Derby, and upon confirming the invitation, Gutierrez responded “Let’s go.”
Another teammate, Josh Bell, who participated in the Home Run Derby in 2019, has been advising Wood during practices.
Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays
Tomas Francisco, Rays field coordinator, has experience in the Derby, having pitched to Randy Arozarena two years ago. Caminero asked Francisco to be his pitcher. Francisco highlights Caminero’s swing consistency and his stamina during practices.
He is very excited about this.
Francisco has experience in the Derby and understands how quickly rounds develop and the tendency of competitors and pitchers to rush unnecessarily.
Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners
Raleigh, MLB home run leader, was the first to confirm his participation. His father, Todd, will be the one to pitch to him. In addition, Cal’s younger brother, also named Todd, will be the catcher.
Raleigh has spoken with Julio Rodríguez about the Derby and has had opportunities to practice with his father, who is a coach. Raleigh, a switch-hitter, could bat from both sides of the plate, although Truist Park favors left-handers. His custom bats will have a “Big Dumper” theme.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees
Geron Sands, his stepfather, will be the one to throw to Chisholm. Sands has been in Chisholm’s life since he was 8 years old and has been his practice pitcher since then.
Sands has practiced with Chisholm at Yankee Stadium and has noticed the strength he has when batting. Chisholm likes the balls to be thrown in the middle and low, between the waist and knees.
Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins
Byron Buxton revealed to his third base coach, Tommy Watkins, that he would participate in the Derby. Watkins, who has worked with Buxton since 2013, shared an emotional moment with him.
Watkins will pitch to Buxton, who was born and raised near Truist Park and wants to participate in the Derby for his family and children.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stephen Morales, assistant coach of the Pirates, will be Cruz’s pitcher. Morales, who is also Cruz’s translator, has experience as a catcher.
Cruz has received advice from Vladimir Guerrero, champion of the Derby two years ago. Morales commented that Cruz prefers the ball to be thrown to him “right in the middle”.
Brent Rooker, Athletics
Joe Caruso, Rooker’s coach since he was an amateur, will be the one to pitch to him. Rooker and Caruso have talked about the possibility of participating in the Derby in the past.
