Houston Astros: Alex Bregman the Homerun Derby contestant

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NEW YORK – JULY 14: Lance Berkman of the Houston Astros hits during the 2008 MLB All-Star State Farm Home Run Derby (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) /

Houston Astros History in the Home Run Derby

The Houston Astros have had several participants from the organization in the past years competing in the Home Run Derby. Sad to say, we have never won. Our first home run derby participant was Glenn Davis, who in 1989 hit a whopping two homers in Anaheim.

Moises Alou competed in the 1998 Home Run Derby in Colorado. Despite being tied for second with seven home runs along with three other contestants (Jim Thome, Vinny Castilla, Rafael Palmeiro), he missed the cut. For some strange reason, the tiebreaker was you advanced if you had more homers during the season.

Jeff Bagwell was a four-time participant in the home run derby competing in 1994 (Pittsburgh), 1996 (Philadelphia), 1997 (Cleveland) and 1999 (Boston) reaching the second round in the latter two. But he was overshadowed by big home run names like Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. Only one of those four are in the hall of fame.

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The best finish of any Astro participant was Lance Berkman, who in 2004 put on a show for a Minute Maid Park crowd, including myself with homers that went out of the stadium. I still remember Chris Berman on air saying Hello Houston, Galveston, San Antonio or Remember the Alamo and Remember Goliad. It was a great night as Lance made it all the way to the final round, where he would lose to future Astro Miguel Tejada. Berkman also competed in 2002 (Milwaukee), 2006 (Pittsburgh), and 2008 (New York – AL).

Final Thoughts

It’s been 10 years since an Astro player has competed in the Home Run Derby. Alex Bregman might not be the favorite to win it all. But at this rate, who cares how he does? Sure, it would be nice to see him win. But all we can do is let him have fun. Whether he hits one or more, he has earned the right to participate.

That’s why I love this team! We got guys that are just likable that they may not be recognized as superstars yet other than Altuve. But when they’re on the stage, they’ll have no trouble showing the fans why they are for real.

Next: Four players snubbed from the All-Star game

So to the dude who tied Game 4 in the ALCS against Boston by homering off Chris Sale or picking up big homers against Clayton Kershaw and Kenley Jensen last year, I say go out there, have fun, and represent the Astros well. Good luck Alex!

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