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The unofficial half of the MLB season is here, and fans across the country will be able to tune in to one of baseball’s shows on Monday night.
However, this year’s Home Run Derby could be the most watched in history as it will air on Netflix.
“It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be really exciting. What they’re doing to our sport, basically getting worldwide recognition. Fans who maybe aren’t interested in baseball see that it’s on Netflix and think, ‘Hey, I’m going to watch this.’ So, we have a really good opportunity to bring baseball to viewers who don’t necessarily watch it every day,” former All-Star and Derby participant Anthony Rizzo, who is a Netflix analyst for the event, recently told Pak Gazette Digital.
THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA MAY HAVE LEAKED A FEW HOURS OF MLB ALL-STARS BEFORE THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo bats during the Gillette Home Run Derby presented by Head & Shoulders at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Elsa/Getty Images)
“They bring stardom everywhere. Everything they do, Netflix is top notch. So I’m excited about the guests we’re going to have, the baseball players, the celebrities, the whole thing.”
In an era when All-Star Games have become nothing more than careful scrimmages, baseball remains different, as 100 mph fastballs with devastating breaking balls remain a constant.
“I think when you’re between the lines, it’s all fun and games until the game starts. It’s still relaxed and fun, but when you’re in the box or on defense, it’s very competitive. You want to take the guy deep, you want to get a hit, you want to show your All-Star talent on the national stage. If you go out, it doesn’t matter as much. If you get a hit, it doesn’t matter as much. But it feels good to perform in the All-Star Game,” Rizzo said.
An All-Star phenomenon in the NBA dunk contest has inarguably been watered down due to the fact that the stars of the game simply do not participate. But that’s not the case with the Home Run Derby, even with the fatigue that comes with it.
Anthony Rizzo of the Chicago Cubs bats during the Gillette Home Run Derby at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)
FORMER SAVANNAH BANANAS PLAYER NAMED MLB ALL-STAR HOURS AFTER HITTING FOR CYCLE AS ROOKIE
“I was in the Derby myself and I was sore for a week afterward just because of how hard I was swinging. So you really have to evaluate where you are physically and mentally. It’s also mentally exhausting. The magnitude and excitement that comes with the Derby and the All-Star Game is intense, and then two days later you’re back playing. So, you just have to know yourself,” Rizzo said.
But Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Junior Caminero and Ben Rice are just some of the top names who will be in Philadelphia trying to hit the most home runs in 20 at-bats each round.
“The Derby brings adrenaline that you’re not used to having in July,” Rizzo said.
“You want the big stars to be there all the time. It’s also really good to have the young players show up. I don’t think the game will ever shy away from that, and the incentive to win now is greater than ever. Hitting a few home runs in a couple of hours and winning seven figures is a pretty good result, for sure.”
The breakup, Rizzo tipped, has the potential to be one of the best in history.
“I think it’s very difficult to be an All-Star every year. What goes into being an All-Star in the Major Leagues, especially as a position player, is that you’re not going to just go out and hit 20 to 30 home runs before the All-Star break and hit .280 to .300. There’s a lot of work involved in that,” he said.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo watches during batting practice before the 86th MLB All-Star Game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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“Then you can enjoy and celebrate that moment with all your teammates who also had a great first half. The Home Run Derby is incredible. It’s in Philadelphia, and I feel like Philadelphia right now is on fire. The Phillies have completely turned their season around and look like a World Series contender again. It’s America’s 250th birthday, the World Cup is coming up, and everything is going well right now. Philadelphia, the Home Run Derby there, the All-Star Game, I would imagine the city is going to be trembling.”
