Credit: Twitter
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby on Monday at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, but his legacy-defining moment was overshadowed by the fact he accidentally hit a small child. Despite the unfortunate incident, Guerrero Jr. had a historic night as he followed in his dad's footsteps to become the first father and son duo in MLB history to each win a Home Run Derby.
Vladimir Sr. won the 2007 derby in San Francisco while with the Los Angeles Angels, beating Alex Rios of the Blue Jays 3-2 in the final. Meanwhile, Guerrero Jr., 24, was locked in during the championship match against Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Randy Arozarena. Several youngsters were in the outfield attempting to catch baseballs during the broadcast, and one of them was hit in the face. The child in question, on the other hand, was visibly distracted and smacked hard.
The commentators didn't seem to notice the child collapse on the ground in anguish, as other children stood guard, unsure what to do. Fortunately, by the time the broadcast returned to the children, the one who had been hit was back on his feet.
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It was not the first time a child was hurt during the Home Run Derby as just two years ago, Pete Alonso of the New York Mets nailed a kid in the head and didn't seem to notice. Alonso, 28, was seen doing a little dance as stadium personnel helped the child off the field.
Guerrero Jr hit 29,390 feet of home runs in five and a half miles. After hitting a record 41 in the first round in front of his hometown fans, he defeated Julio Rodrguez 21-20 in the semifinals. Batting against Blue Jays manager John Schneider, Guerrero was the last semi-finals to swing and the first finalist, breaking Pete Alonso's final-round homer record set when he defeated Guerrero 23-22 in 2019.
