'It's not how you start, but how you finish' is a refrain we often hear that in nearly all cases holds true, except for last night's All-Star Home Run Derby. It was all about how the event got started.
Josh Hamilton blasted a record shattering 28 first round home runs, four more than Bobby Abreu's total in 2005, and 20 more than any of his fellow participants Monday night. Two homers traveled a stunning 504 and 502 feet into deep right center, and after he passed a dozen bombs all those at Yankee Stadium remained on their feet for the final 16 long balls.
When I yesterday that I remember far more events from Home Run Derbies than I do the All-Star Game itself, this was the type of moment I was speaking of. This will be the 2008 All-Star moment, regardless of what happens tonight, unless of course, Hamilton hits another pair into the right field upper deck.
Oddly enough, Hamilton didn't end up winning.
Note to self: If you're going to have a 71-year-old as your pitcher, bring a back-up. Clay Council is not to blame for the loss, both were spent when the finals arrived, but it's worth checking up on Clay's health for the next few days. Only Dusty Baker would have sent Council out for another round.
So in the end it was Justin Morneau with the trophy, but Josh Hamilton won everyone over at the start.