This year, jazz will be featured on Major League Baseball’s annual pop spectacle.
This coming Monday, Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., who is already an American League All-Star, will compete in the Home Run Derby. After Chisholm publicly expressed interest in the Truist Park showcase for a few days, the league announced the decision on Thursday.
This week, Chisholm stated, “I think I’d have some fun doing it.” Most likely, I would. But they must ask me.
After hitting two home runs in Wednesday’s victory over the Mariners, Chisholm was added to the derby. He had 17 home runs in 61 games and 255 plate appearances going into Thursday’s game.
Before Chisholm was named, Cal Raleigh of Seattle, the majors home run leader, Byron Buxton of Minnesota, James Wood of Washington, Ronald Acu a Jr. of Atlanta, Oneil Cruz of Pittsburgh, Junior Caminero of Tampa Bay, and Brent Rooker of Sacramento all committed to play in the derby.
Chisholm claimed he knew who he wanted to pitch to in the derby even before he was invited. That would be his lifelong mentor and stepfather, Geron Sands.
We’ve discussed it because he’s been guiding me since I was a baby, Chisholm added. Like, “Yeah, when I get to the league, you’re going to be my Home Run Derby thrower.”
Thinking back on those times, Chisholm continued, “I used to hit bombs as a kid, bro.”
After fighting a sore shoulder more recently and sustaining an oblique strain earlier this season, he will want to exercise caution when he gets the chance to do so in Atlanta.
According to Chisholm, the Yankees’ most prolific hitter during the past month or two, his shoulder aches more at the plate than on the field.
There is a potential that Chisholm will become the fifth Yankee to win the Home Run Derby. Tino Martinez, Jason Giambi, Robinson Can, and Aaron Judge are previous pinstriped winners.
