THS graduate feels Home Run Derby an unforgettable experience, despite early exit
OMAHA, Neb.—An early exit failed to quash Caleb Adams’ feelings about the College Home Run Derby.
“It was awesome, everything about it was great,” said the University of Louisiana Lafayette sophomore of the annual event that drew 23,731 spectators to TD Ameritrade Park.
Adams, who clubbed 16 home runs in the regular season, hit three dingers in Wednesday’s event and was eliminated in the first round.
The Texas High graduate said afterwards just being a part of the show was good enough.
It was the most fun I’ve had with baseball. This is something I’m going to remember my whole life.”
Adams was in position to advance to the next round only to have the opportunity slip away when the final competitor after him swatted four homers.
Rice University junior Michael Aquino won in a final round slug-off with Georgia Tech freshman Matt Gonzalez.
Gonzalez stepped to the plate first and sent five balls out of the park. Aquino knocked out three early, but lost his groove in the middle of his at-bat. With only one out remaining, the soon-to-be senior needed one to tie. Aquino rose to the occasion by hitting the next two pitches out, causing the eliminated players to mob him at home plate. The eight participants combined to hit 61 home runs.
Dave Winfield, who was the 1973 Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series and a 2001 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, served as the official ambassador for the event.