Miami Marlins' slugger Giancarlo Stanton hit several mammoth blasts in the 2014 Home Run Derby on Monday.
Throwing to Stanton was his manager Mike Redmond as players are allowed to choose their pitcher. Heading into the Derby, the skipper and Stanton had been practicing prior to Marlins' games.
In the first round, Stanton hit six home runs which was good enough for a bye to the third round. The new format for 2014 rewards the top hitter in each league with rest for the second round. The six was the most in the National League with Troy Tulowitzki finishing the round with four.
One of the bombs in the first round for Stanton went a projected 510 feet and nearly left Target Field. The right-fielder also hit a ball to dead center into the second deck. Players from both leagues could be seen watching in awe of the display.
Players from around Major League Baseball shared their thoughts after the first round action took place
@Giancarlo818 deserves 10 outs in the #HRDerby...wow. #GotGrownMenScreamingLikeGirls — andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) July 15, 2014
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Stanton needed one or two more push ups and he would have left the stadium. Definitely backing up the hype at the #HRDerby — Hunter Pence (@hunterpence) July 15, 2014
The world finally gets to see what we watch everyday. Giancarlo BP #HomeRunDerby #hardtofollowup — Chris Hatcher (@handlebars41) July 15, 2014
In round three, Stanton took on Todd Frazier of the Cincinnati Reds. Frazier was the first hitter of the night and only had two home runs. After a swing-off tiebreaker and a strong second round, he earned the right to take on Stanton.
Frazier only hit one home run in round three. Stanton then headed to the plate needing only two blasts to advance to the finals. The slugger was unable to hit any home runs however and was eliminated.
Stanton will start in Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game as the designated hitter and will bat fifth.