While much of the hype leading up to the 2021 Home Run Derby centered on Los Angeles Angeles superstar Shohei Ohtani, it was New York Mets star Pete Alonso who stole the show again with a dazzling display of dingers. Alonso had himself a ball out there at Coors Field as he danced and destroyed baseballs en route to a second straight Home Run Derby title.
The swaggering Alonso basked in the moment after he walked it off against Baltimore Orioles slugger Trey Mancini in the final round. Not only did the Mets star get a trophy, but he also got $1 million and some sweet bling in the form of a spinning chain.
“I think I'm the best power hitter on the planet,” Alonso declared afterward. “Being able to showcase that, and really putting on a fun display for fans, I just think it's a dream come true for me because when I was young, my parents let me stay up past my bedtime to watch this. That was one of the few nights per year I actually got to stay up past my bedtime, just watch incredible feats that you don't see in a regular baseball game.
“To be able to participate — it's a dream come true. To be able to do it back-to-back — this is really special for me. And really cool.”
Pete Alonso bashed a ridiculous 35 home runs in the first round before slowing down with 16 in the second round, but that was enough to beat Juan Soto's 16. Soto had to be tired after his marathon first round against Ohtani resulted in a swing-off.
Alonso hit a total of 74 homers in the event, with 23 coming in the final round to beat Mancini. Alonso put an exclamation point on his win with six straight bombs in bonus time to overcome Mancini's outstanding effort.
Pete Alonso wouldn't commit to going for a third straight crown next year, but given how much this dude seems to love this event, it would be shocking if he's not back again.
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