Home Run Derby 2009

SI Staff | Jul 14, 2009

Home Run Derby 2009 /

Home Run Derby 2009

Busch Stadium

A red-clad crowd of 45,981 was on hand to witness a pre-game flyover. Cards' slugger Albert Pujols, who leads the majors with 32 home runs at the break, was the odds-on favorite.

Josh Hamilton

The 2008 Derby runner-up didn't enter the '09 edition, but Hamilton was still remembered for his awesome power display at Yankee Stadium last summer.

Carlos Pena

Pena had a quiet moment in the on-deck area before stepping into the spotlight. He hit five homers and was bounced from the competition in Round 1.

Albert Pujols

Pujols was clearly the people's choice. He hit 11 home runs on the night and was eliminated in Round 2.

The One That Got Away

Each member of this cluster of fans had hopes of a Derby momento ... but a deflection sent the ball (far right) out of reach.

Prince Fielder

Fielder hit the longest home run of the night, a 503-foot blast. He sailed through the first two rounds to take on Nelson Cruz for the title.

Albert Pujols

It wasn't Pujols' night, but that didn't spoil the fans' enthusiam for their hero.

Pujols wasn't the only local entrant in the Derby. Phillies slugger Ryan Howard grew up in the St. Louis area. He hit 15 homers on the night and bowed out in the second round.

Nelson Cruz

The Rangers' outfielder had his power stroke going all night. He clubbed 16 homers in the first two rounds to advance to a final-round showdown against Prince Fielder.

Prince Fielder

In the end, the night belonged to Fielder. He hit six homers in the final to clip Cruz and win the title.

Prince Fielder

Fielder finished with a total of 23 homers, including six in the final round -- good enough to earn the hardware.

Published Jul 14, 2009

SI STAFF