The much-anticipated debut of Baltimore Orioles' Gunnar Henderson at the Home Run Derby didn't quite go as planned, with the 23-year-old shortstop being knocked out in the first round. Despite a strong lead-up to the All-Star break, holding the title for the third most home runs in baseball, Henderson's performance on Monday night only saw him hit 11 home runs, the lowest tally among the Derby's eight contenders. Henderson's early exit contrasted sharply with his .286 batting average, boasting of 28 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases this season, as reported by CBS News Baltimore.
Henderson, who faced off against Atlanta's Marcell Ozuna, was outperformed as Ozuna hammered out 16 home runs. Although not enough to propel Ozuna into the second round, it was sufficient to end the night for Henderson. The Orioles' star came into the Derby with not just aspirations but also a custom bat that featured a Scooby-Doo design — a nod to his affection for the show and a personal touch, hinting at the youthful spirit of the game. "I've always done a good Scooby Doo impression and I've always liked the show," Henderson said, "Plus, this is a kid's game, so why not bring it?" he explained on ESPN, in a statement documented by CBS News Baltimore.
The Derby winner, Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez clinched the title by just a single home run, eclipsing other top sluggers in a tight finish. Meanwhile, Henderson and his custom bat weren't the only representatives of the Orioles' spirit at the event. His teammates Adley Rutschman and Corbin Burnes stood out, bolstering the team's presence at this high-profile All-Star break showcase. Jordan Westburg and Anthony Santander were also listed as participants making the Baltimore Orioles a team with ample representation at the upcoming All-Star Game, as reported by WMAR2 News.
Henderson will aim to redeem himself at Tuesday night's All-Star Game where he'll take the field along with Rutschman and Burnes for the American League.
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