Vladimir Guerrero Jr. defeated Randy Arozarena to clinch the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby crown. Both sluggers showcased exceptional hitting during their faceoff in the final. However, a lot of baseball enthusiasts were left underwhelmed by what is supposed to be baseball’s annual power show. An event that often showcases the raw power and talent of baseball’s finest sluggers.

The Home Run Derby was incepted to be a thrilling spectacle. But over the years it has left fans in a state of confusion and disappointment, as they continue to feel dissatisfied with each MLB Home Run Derby. And there are several reasons that contribute to that. A popular baseball content also recently took to Twitter to express his thoughts on the latest edition of the Home Run Derby. And it seems to have struck a chord with baseball fans online.

Fans find Home Run Derby difficult to follow and boring to watch

The Home Run Derby was created to showcase not only the players’ ability to hit long home runs but also to provide an opportunity for all fans to celebrate the pure brilliance of those homers. If we look at the current format, there are a lot of jaw-dropping, long-distance hits that quite often surpass the fan’s expectations. But viewers feel a disconnect as they cannot enjoy those long balls.

In the years leading up to 2015, participants in the Derby were granted a generous allocation of 10 outs. While this format had its flaws, notably considering any swing that failed to produce a home run as an out, it offered a unique spectacle. The hitters became much more selective and more focused. This allowed fans to be mesmerized by their talent.

With new rules coming into play, hitters now find themselves racing against the clock. Each batter is granted just three minutes to showcase their skills. In addition, they can ask for the clock to be stopped once in each round and also have a 30-second bonus round. Furthermore, if two or more homers launched within the first three minutes cross a distance of 440 feet, the batter is granted an additional 30 seconds.

This time pressure translates into a panicky performance, where pitchers rapidly throw pitches and hitters swing non-stop. Both finalists this year were quite exhausted by the time they reached the final round and after hitting 20 homers, in regulation time, Vlad Jr. dropped to his knees and was wheezing. Another issue faced by fans is ESPN’s coverage of the event. However, given the rapid-fire nature of the game, expecting any network to handle it flawlessly would be unrealistic. Fans soon took to Twitter to voice their disappointment with the whole segment.

Fans displayed their disappointment

Baseball fans were left disappointed with a number of things that ranged from rules to camera angles. Popular baseball content creator Jomboy tweeted about the event and fans quickly reacted. One user was quite appalled at the event and commented, “Totally sucks.” 

Another fan criticized the broadcast and wrote, “They can split screen to track the ball, but they give us the most garbage shot for the hitter. Worst broadcast I’ve tuned in to.” A fan remembered the old rules and wrote, “It’s because they put that damn stupid timer on it instead of switching until 10 outs like the good ole days.”

Read more: “It Was Totally Unscripted” – Alex “A-Rod” Rodriguez Once Lost a Home Run Derby to a 19-Year-Old

Another user highlighted the homers’ plight and commented, “Yeah they gotta slow it down and let the homers breathe.” One fan also pointed out the old regulations and wrote, “I watched 30 seconds and had enough. That was terrible and hard to keep up with. Go back to 10 outs.” As fans continue to voice their frustrations and concerns, it remains to be seen if future Home Run Derby organizers will take note and consider finding a middle ground.

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