The 2011 MLB Home Run Derby

What’s a bit confusing is why such a change in format was even needed. The only problem I’ve seen with the derby in the past is simply too many rounds, causing the event and the players to lose steam, and the crowd to grow restless. Unless Mark McGwire is sending balls onto the highway, all we’re left with are an abundance of “back-back-back-back!” calls from celebrated sabermetrician, Chris Berman. To make matters even more unsettling, due to the new process the Arizona faithful will not have the opportunity to cheer on Justin Upton or batting practice legend, Wily Mo Pena.

"“Watching Wily Mo in batting practice is the most incredible of experiences to me,” Diamondbacks majority owner Ken Kendrick said. “No disrespect to anyone who is in (the Home Run Derby) or to Justin, who can really smack them. But Wily Mo is pretty much beyond amazing when they’re throwing 80-mile-per-hour fastballs in there.”"

For shame, Bird Selig. Seriously though, Wily Mo Pena might be terrible, but he’s the type of guy that should be a mandatory participant in an event like this for as long as he’s treading water on a major league roster.

Now having said that — no, I will never stop linking that clip — enjoy tonight’s showcase of sluggers for the country’s second (or is it third?) most popular sport.

Here’s Josh Hamilton’s derby performance at Yankee Stadium in 2008. Unfortunately McGwire’s cartoonish performance at Fenway in ’99, which was better, could not be found. I will say that the “asshole” chant at the 1:41 mark is exquisite: