Phillies' Underdog Slugger Proved He Belonged in the Home Run Derby

No one expected Alec Bohm to perform well in the home run derby. A line drive, gap-to-gap hitter with a right-center approach with 11 home runs on the year isn’t exactly the ideal pick. In fact, the betting odds had him dead last going into the competition and very few people expected him to even get out of the first round.

 Of course, Bohm was given the unfortunate task of leading off the derby, which Bohm compared to “going first for a speech in high school.” If that’s the case, Bohm gave a powerful address, ending with 21 home runs and setting the tone for the rest of the field.

While 21 home runs don’t sound like a lot compared to recent memory, it was awesome in the new format. Bohm ended round one tied for the lead with Jose Ramirez, getting himself deeper into the competition than many would have predicted.

Bohm Lost to the Eventual Winner Teoscar Hernandez

Whether good or bad for Bohm, he ended up with a rest over an hour between his first and second rounds. Matched up with the eventual winner Teoscar Hernandez, Bohm put up another valiant but not as impressive mark of 14. Hernandez was able to force a swing off where he was able to take down Bohm two homers to one. 

Bohm was also a great personality to see on the national stage, with his aloof interviews and funny interactions with his Phillies teammates. He first said the “school speech” bit to Trea Turner that was caught on a hot mic, good for a little chuckle. And of course, Bryce Harper came to play with his ode to Philly “Wooder” jug.   

All in all, Bohm had a fantastic performance considering his low expectations and hitting style. It was great for Phillies fans to see his personality shine through and his performance rise, making a memorable night and event for Bohm and the Philly faithful. 

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