In all honesty the Home Run Derby is a rather meaningless exhibition which allows the host city for Baseball’s All-Star Game to have a second night to pack the stands while ESPN’s Chris Berman drives you to the edge with his “back, back, back” calls. 

 

Todd Frazier #21 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates with his son Blake after winning the Gillette Home Run Derby
Todd Frazier #21 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates with his son Blake after winning the Gillette Home Run Derby (Elsa/Getty Images)
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However last night was a bit different and the rest of America got to see on their large-screen TV’s what we in Toms River and the Jersey Shore have known for years: Todd Frazier rarely disappoints.  The Cincinnati slugger waited until his very last swing in all three rounds to win the Home Run Derby in his home ballpark in very dramatic fashion.

Some might have already forgotten that Frazier lost in the finals last year to Yoenis Cespedes, who won the title as “King of Swing” in both 2013 & 2014. See how quickly you forget?  While his getting to the finals last year was a surprise the event was not all that exciting which is why baseball changed the format this year with timed four-minute rounds and head-to-head competition. 

Right out of the box the 29-year old former Little League, Toms River South and Rutgers standout had to face two-time champion Prince Fielder of Texas who many considered the favorite to win it all.  As he would do all night Frazier used a late power surge and advanced with a 14-13 victory.  Next up was a semifinal matchup with Toronto’s Josh Donaldson and Frazier’s 10th home run of the round produced a walk-off victory with the capacity Cincinnati crowd now in a state of hysteria over the man who has become the face of their franchise. 

In the finals “The Toddfather” would meet Dodgers rookie Joc Pederson who was putting on a show of his own and seemed poised to become the first rookie to win the event in 29 years.  Pederson hit 14 long balls and some might have thought it was too big a mountain for Frazier to climb. That is,  to those who don’t know him. 

Todd rallied late and also hit 14 but had a 30-second bonus round to break the tie and only need one more pitch from older brother Charlie before Great American Ballpark erupted in what was a Frazier “lovefest.”  It was clearly a family affair with not only Charlie but brother Jeff on the field and parents Charlie Sr. and Joan even interviewed by ESPN.  A night the Frazier’s, Toms River, Cincinnati and baseball fans throughout America won’t soon forget. 

 And to think I said it’s a meaningless exhibition.

 

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