KANSAS CITY – A derby turns into a challenge tonight in Kansas City as the Monarchs welcome the rest of the American Association for their annual mid-season break complete with All-Star Week festivities. The Home Run Challenge is just one of these and it will kick off the week in spectacular fashion.
The AA announced the following hitters will compete in the challenge (alphabetical order):
- Trevor Achenbach (SF)
- Hill Alexander (CLE)
- Narciso Crook (CHI)
- Rob Emery (WPG)
- Claudio Finol (KCO)
- Jaxx Groshans (CLE)
- Ryan Hernandez (LC)
- Brian O’Grady (CLE)
- Josh Rehwaldt (SF)
- Jacob Teter (CHI)
The DockHound’s Hernandez is the favorite based purely on home run totals after he knocked nineteen bombs out in the first-half. His total is two more than any other athlete in the league. The format is very similar to the MLB Home Run Derby, which took place just a week ago. Here is the format and rules:
First round
- All 10 will get 3:00 minutes to hit as many HRs as possible.
- One :30 time out allowed for each participant
- Top 4 move to 2nd round
Second Round
- Seeded based on First Round (1 vs. 4, 2 vs. 3; lower seed hits first)
- All 10 will get 3:00 minutes to hit as many HRs as possible.
- One :30 time out allowed for each participant
- Winners advance to the final
Final
- Both will get 2:00 minutes to hit as many HRs as possible
- One :30 time out allowed for each participant
Tiebreakers – All Rounds
- In the event of ties, competitors will get 1:00 minute to hit as many HRs as possible
- If still tied, swing-off (alternating at bats)
Information provided by American Association Info/Website
