It’s generational excellence!
Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. recently won the All-Star Home Run Derby, defeating Tampa Bay’s Randy Arozarena 25-23 in the final round, AP News reports. The Jays slugger totaled 5 ½ miles of homers, exactly 29, 390 feet. He previously defeated Mariners star Julio Rodriguez 21-20 in the semifinals, setting a final round record for homers that topped Pete Alonso’s 2019 record when he beat Guerrero 23-22.
Cover photo: Guerreros become first father-son duo in MLB history to win a home run derby/Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Seattle, July 10, 2023/Photo Courtesy of Lindsey Wasson/Associated Press
The match was a tough one, Arozarena holding his own, racking up 21 homers in his first 2 minutes. While Guerrero edged him out, clinching the victory, the moment was made that much sweeter knowing his father had also done the same a generation before. In 2007, Vladimir Guerrero Sr. also took home the All-Star Home Run Derby with the Angels, the two making history this week as the first father-son duo in MLB history to earn the titles.
Cover photo: Guerreros become first father-son duo in MLB history to win a home run derby/Vladimir Guerrero Sr., San Francisco, July 29, 2007/Photo Courtesy of Jeff Chiu/File/Associated Press
While the junior Guerrero admits he remembers little about that night 16 years prior when he was only 8 years old, he does feel good about the accomplishment. When asked who might win between the father and son sluggers, Guerrero acknowledged that it could go either way dealing with his pops.
“It’s kind of difficult right now. With the time, with the minutes, I’ll win. If it’s by outs, he’ll win,” he said smiling while speaking via translator.
Congratulations Vladimir! We’re sure your father is very proud!
Cover photo: Guerreros become first father-son duo in MLB history to win a home run derby/Photo Courtesy of ESPN/Threads