The 2000 Home Run Derby occurred at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. Carl Everett, Edgar Martinez, Ken Griffrey Jr, Carlos Delgado, Ivan Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero, Chipper Jones, and Sammy Sosa were the participants in this contest. Five of the eight games were of Latin descent. In this event, it was “The Sosa Show in Georgia.”
In the first round, Sosa, Griffey, and Everett all hit six home runs. Carlos Delgado finished with five homers. All four of them would move on to the second round. In the second round, Sosa would face off Everett, while Griffey took on Delgado. Sosa would finish the second round with 11 homers, putting on a show and electrifying the crowd. Everett finished with six homers. Sosa would advance to the Finals as he awaits Griffey/Delgado. Griffey did what Griffey always does – hit home runs with his hat backward. He finished the second round with three, and Delgado had just one.
It’s off to the showdown: Griffey vs. Sosa. The reigning defending champion against one of the best right-handed hitters in the game, Sammy Sosa. Can Sosa take down the three-time home run derby champion (1994, 1998, 1999)? He proved it on this night.
Sosa became the new home run derby champion, dethroning Griffey with the final score of 9-2. Sosa was sensational on this night, and his personality made it more exciting to watch this event.
Top 5 Homers by Distance
- Sosa, 508 feet
- Sosa, 508 feet
- Sosa, 496 feet
- Sosa, 488 feet
- Sosa, 486 feet