ARLINGTON, Texas – On Monday night, Bobby Witt Jr. launched a powerful swing, sending the baseball soaring toward dead center field at Globe Life Field. A captivated audience of 38,578 in the stadium and millions more watching on TV followed its flight with bated breath.
As the ball descended toward the wall, emotions surged among several families scattered throughout the stadium, from the right field line to the grass around the infield, and even on the mound. Witt, the Kansas City Royals’ third-year shortstop, needed the ball to clear the fence to force overtime in the Home Run Derby against Teoscar Hernández, a Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder experiencing the pinnacle of his nine-year career.
“It felt like my heart was going to come out of my mouth, I was so nervous,” shared Jennifer Hernández, Teoscar’s wife.
James Russell, Witt’s brother-in-law and a former major league pitcher, was responsible for pitching to Witt during his Derby attempt. He recalled his anticipation, saying, “I thought it was gone for sure.”
However, the ball fell short, hitting the wall and sealing the outcome.
Hernández triumphed in the final round of the revamped Home Run Derby, hitting 14 home runs to Witt’s 13. He became the first Dodger to win the event and the third consecutive Dominican player, following Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., to claim the trophy.
This duel between Hernández and Witt illuminated the heart and aspirations that modern ballplayers carry with them. Representing Cotui, Dominican Republic, and Colleyville, Texas, respectively, both players showcased the diverse backgrounds in Major League Baseball. While over 70% of players are American-born, the Dominican Republic has the largest foreign-born representation, with 108 players on Opening Day rosters.
The annual Home Run Derby, a blend of frivolity and glory, brought MLB stars together to see who could hit the most home runs as their All-Star teammates cheered them on.
By the finals, Witt’s family and friends were in full support. Around 30 of his loved ones had tickets, with many more making the short drive to the game. Witt’s parents, longtime major league pitcher Bobby Witt and mother Laurie, were down the right field line, while Russell stood behind the L screen, pitching.
Russell recalled telling his fellow minor leaguers in 2016 about Witt, then a promising 15-year-old shortstop. Now, Witt has become a star, fulfilling those early predictions.
For Hernández, the support was also significant, with 19 family members, including his parents, children, and close friends, attending the event. Dino Ebel, the Dodgers coach who pitched to Hernández, celebrated his player’s success, noting his dedication and work ethic.
Hernández, at 31, has experienced a distinguished career with two All-Star seasons. His journey includes stints with Houston, Toronto, Seattle, and now the Dodgers. Winning the Home Run Derby was a crowning achievement for him.
“I was trying to hold all my emotions,” said Hernández. “Even if I would have lost, I felt grateful just to be there and make it to the finals.”
Monday night was filled with gratitude, as well as spectacular home runs.