Former RU Star Todd Frazier Wins Home Run Derby
Jul 14 | Baseball
CINCINNATI - In dramatic fashion, a former Rutgers standout and New Jersey native showcased his electrifying talents in front of a primetime audience on Monday night. Todd Frazier, who played three seasons "On the Banks" and was named an All-American in 2007, won the 2015 Home Run Derby at the Major League All-Star Game.
Competing in his home ballpark, Frazier delighted the Cincinnati Reds fans at Great American Ball Park with a memorable performance. In the first edition of a new timed bracket format, Frazier displayed a flair for the dramatic by winning all three rounds on his final swing. Frazier launched 14 home runs to defeat Prince Fielder in his first round matchup, than blasted home runs on his final two swings to down Josh Donaldson and advance to the finals. In the championship matchup, Frazier came from behind once again, tying the matchup late before taking the title on the final swing of the night.
Frazier's success came on the heels of the FIFA World Cup Championship for the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team. Rutgers alumna Carli Lloyd scored three goals in the final and won the Golden Ball and Silver Boot. After taking the Home Run Derby crown, Frazier told NJ.com how proud he was to represent Rutgers on the national stage.
"It does," Frazier told Mike Vorkunov. "My brother went to Rutgers as well. My older brother was supposed to go but he got drafted. It's a great university and we take a lot of pride in what we do for sure. Carli Lloyd stepped up in the gold medal game. Three goals is pretty cool. I did what I did tonight. Hopefully we can keep it going.
When you're younger and you got pressure of playing in front of 40,000 people in Little League, going to a college like Rutgers, it was great," Frazier said. "Great experiences, great coaches that helped me out along the way and couldn't ask for anything better for my career and life."
One of the most accomplished players in program history, Frazier ranks first in the RU record book with 42 career home runs and 210 runs during his three seasons (2005-07) in Piscataway. He hit .377 with 93 hits, 24 doubles, 22 home runs, 65 RBIs, 62 walks and 25 stolen bases in a memorable All-America 2007 season that saw the Scarlet Knights win the Big East regular season and tournament. Frazier batted .520 (13-for-25) with three homers and seven RBIs in the tournament held in Brooklyn to help lead Rutgers to an NCAA Regional berth. Frazier was the 34th overall selection by the Reds in the 2007 Major League Draft.
Frazier was named to the All-Star Game for the second consecutive season and will start at third base in Tuesday night's game. He currently leads the Major Leagues with 26 doubles and 200 total bases, and is batting .284 with 25 home runs and 57 RBI.
Video: MLB.com: Frazier wins Home Run Derby
