Last night 16 years after Vladimir Guerrero Sr. won the Home Run Derby it was Jr. turn as Blue Jays 1B/3B/DH Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would take home the title in after falling short in 2019.
After smashing Dodgers Mookie Betts 26-11 he would take on the runner up from last years derby and crowd favourite Julio Rodríguez, which he would squeak by 21-20. This set up a final against division rival Tampa Bay Rays Randy Arozarena, who had hit 59 home runs in the contest so far compared to Vladdy’s 47, second to Rodríguez’s 61 at that point.
In the finals Vladdy would get the last laugh as Arozarena was unable to match his 25, though getting very close with 23, which made Vladdy the first Blue Jay to win the derby.
POV: You're celebrating a #HRDerby win with Vladdy 💥 pic.twitter.com/UmkrX8zv3P
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 11, 2023
It was interesting to see the world wide sports leader mess up the graphic after Vlad won, as it would read the 2nd Cuban Born HR Derby Champion, despite the fact the Vlad is Canadian born (Montreal). Even if it made the mistake of Dominican born it would be inaccurate but understandable as he grew up there and his father is a legend who was born there, but Vlad has no ties to Cuba. The graphic was seen as likely intended for Arozarena, although this made Vlad Jr. the 2nd Canadian born winner behind Justin Morneau. Maybe ESPN shouldn’t have made massive layoffs to avoid that mistake, and have been roasted online for the mistake.
Despite the graphic mistake this made the Vlad’s the first father and son to win the win the Home Run Derby. Vlad Sr. would tweet out his support and congratulations to his son.
PROUD and LOVE FOR MY SON
Congratulation Vlad Jr! ♥️
— Vladimir Guerrero (@VladGuerrero27) July 11, 2023
Vlad Jr. when asked about deciding to compete this year would state that the title plus MVP is one up on his dad, when it was mentioned his dad has the Hall of Fame ring, Vlad responded with that was next.
– Everett
