KANSAS CITY – Baseballs wanted nothing to do with Legends Field on Monday Night when the Annual American Association Home Run Derby took place. Kansas City is the destination for all of the All-Star Week festivities with the All-Star Game set to take place Tuesday Night.
The Cleburne Railroaders had plenty of representation with both 1st Baseman Brian O’Grady and Outfielder Hill Alexander advancing to the Finals to face each other. However, O’Grady was the one that left victorious after a dramatic final round.
Both sluggers went back and forth in the final round, but ended in a tie. The extra minute allotted to both hitters wasn’t enough to break that tie – forcing a swing-off. It took two more rounds, but finally the former Cincinnati Red draft pick slugged a ball onto ‘Home Run Hill’ to win the Home Run Challenge Belt and maybe most importantly to him: bragging rights.
After winning I asked Brian what it was like facing his teammate in the final. He said that his competitor Alexander put it well saying, “He’s my best friend, but I hope he loses”.
The festivities continue Tuesday night with the American Association All-Star Game.
