2006 Home Run Derby

SI Staff | May 23, 2007

2006 Home Run Derby /

2006 Home Run Derby

David Ortiz was a big hit at PNC, opening with 10 homers in the first round, including a bunch into the Allegeheny River. But he was eliminated after hitting just three in the semifinals.

First-time All-Stars Scott Kazmir and Joe Mauer marvel at the Home Run Derby.

Ryan Howard, David Ortiz and Jermaine Dye get a chance to size up the competition before the fireworks began.

Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski, hero of the Pirates' 1960 World Series team, opens the festivities by throwing out the first pitch.

The All-Star Game isn't just a gathering of baseball's top players, it's also a chance for all the mascots to get together.

Miguel Tejada, the 2004 derby champ, who once had the record with 15 homers in a round, opened the contest with three longballs, but it wasn't enough to win another title.

Lance Berkman, the 2004 runner-up to Miguel Tejada, had just three homers but his first one landed in the Allegheny River on the fly.

Miguel Cabrera took set the early pace with nine homers. He had six in the second round, but it wasn't enough to reach the finals.

It was a disappointing night for Troy Glaus, who hit just one homer.

All-Star Paul LoDuca wasn't content in just watching the derby, he was the designated pitcher for teammate David Wright.

With teammate Paul LoDuca feeding him pitches, David Wright hit 16 homers in the first round, third-best in the contest's history. He slowed down with two in the second round, but his 18 total were enough to reach the finals.

Despite playing 19 innings the day before, Jermaine Dye smacked seven homers in the first round but failed to advance.

Ryan Howard, last year's NL Rookie of the Year, was a model of consistency, hitting eight in the first round (including four with one out remaining) and 10 in the second round to reach the finals.

A couple of Pittsburgh fans battle for one of the many homers hit during the derby.

After a hot start, David Wright seemed to run out of gas in the finals, hitting just four homers.

David Ortiz tries to cool off David Wright during the finals.

Ryan Howard batted last in each round and came away with the championship with five in the finals, including a 463-foot shot that hit a credit card promotion sign to seal the title.

Ryan Howard made sure the Home Run Derby title stayed in Philadelphia for another year, as he repeated the feat of Phillies teammate Bobby Abreu.

Published May 23, 2007

SI STAFF