Jul/15/08 05:47 PM Filed in:
Ryan Braun
New York - Milwaukee's Ryan
Braun has a whole new appreciation for All-Star
Home Run Derby after finishing fourth in the
competition tonight at Yankee Stadium.
Here are some things he had to say:
"That was a phenomenal display by Josh Hamilton,"
said Braun, referring to the Texas outfielder who
hit 28 first-round homers yet finished second to
Minnesota's Justin Morneau.
"Home Run Derby is about putting on a show for the
fans. Josh definitely won that competition."
Boosted by his record total of 28 homers in the first
round (Bobby Abreu hit 24 in 2005), Hamilton
intentionally shortened his second round and still
finished with a total of 35 home runs. Morneau, on the
other hand, tallied 22 homers.
But, under rules of the Derby, the two finalists start
over from scratch in the final round. At that point,
Hamilton had 32 homers and Morneau 17.
"We were going by the rules," said Morneau, the last
player added to the Derby. "(Hamilton) is the story of
this year. I was kind of cheering for him. At the same
time, I've dreamed since I was a kid about winning Home
Run Derby."
Hamilton was obviously weary in the final round, using
up four of his 10 "outs" among his first five swings,
then making five "outs" in succession to end it. Any
ball that didn't go over the fence was an "out."
"You don't think you're tired, then you realize you
are," said Hamilton. "I guess I used it all up in the
first round."
Braun was pleased it into the second round, finishing
among the top four of the eight contestants. He bowed
out with 14 home runs, slugging seven in each round.
"I was a little nervous at first," said Braun, who made
six "outs" in Round 1 before hitting his first homer.
"People don't realize how difficult it is, standing out
there by yourself with no (batting) cage.
"I was exhausted and I only hit 14 homers. Josh hit
about 70. I can only imagine how tired he was. But it
was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I
wouldn't trade it for the world."
(blogs.jsonline.com)