Astros Berkman in Home Run Derby

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications

Houston Astros first baseman Lance Berkman will be participating in the 2008 Major League Baseball All Star Game Home Run Derby in Yankee Stadium in New York City.

I will be posting his results when he comes to bat. He is currently warming up.

The National League will feature Houston Astros first baseman Lance Berkman; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun; Florida Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla; and Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley.

Competing for the American League will be Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria; Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau; and Cleveland Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore.

Berkman, a five-time N.L. All-Star, will be competing in the Derby for the fourth time in his career. He also took part in 2002, 2004 (finishing as the runner-up at his home ballpark, Minute Maid Park) and 2006. Morneau, a two-time A.L. All-Star, was a part of last year's field at AT&T Park in San Francisco. The remaining six participants will be competing in the Derby for the first time. Longoria will be just the sixth rookie ever to participate in the Derby.

As has become a Derby custom, each batter will get 10 outs per at-bat. After the ninth out, a gold ball will be put into play. Each homer hit with a gold ball will garner a $17,000 donation from State Farm and MLB to the Boys & Girls Club of America, MLB's preferred charity.