Frazier Looking to Defend Home Run Derby Title
Jul 11 | Baseball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - After winning the MLB Home Run Derby last year, former Rutgers standout Todd Frazier looks to defend his title tonight at Petco Park in San Diego. The event is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
"I'm very excited to defend my Home Run Derby title this year,"' Frazier told the Asbury Park Press via text message last week. "It's stacked with great home run hitters. I can't wait to see how it all pans out."
Traded to the Chicago White Sox in the offseason, Frazier won the derby in front of the home fans in Cincinnati in 2015 with a memorable performance. In the first edition of a timed bracket format, he 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, then blasted home runs on his final two swings to down Josh Donaldson and advance to the finals. In the championship matchup against Joc Pederson, Frazier came from behind once again, tying late before taking the title on the final swing. The slugger totaled 39 long balls on the night.
Tonight, Frazier is the No. 2 seed and will take on Carlos Gonzalez in the quarterfinals. There will be a four-minute round per batter, with each entitled to one 45-second timeout. Thirty seconds of bonus time will be awarded for two home runs of at least 440 feet. Other challengers include Mark Trumbo, Adam Duvall, Robinson Cano, Giancarlo Stanton, Wil Myers and Corey Seager. This will be Frazier's third appearance in the event, as he was the runner-up in 2014.
Frazier has blasted 25 home runs so far this season for the White Sox, tied for second-most in the major leagues. He went deep twice in the most recent series against the Atlanta Braves.
One of the most accomplished players in Rutgers 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. He was selected by Cincinnati as the 34th overall selection in 2007.
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UPDATE: Frazier advanced to the finals for the third-straight year before falling to Giancarlo Stanton for a runner-up finish. He ended up with 42 home runs in the competition.
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