OTD in 2019: Vlad Jr. & Pete Alonso Set Records During Epic HR Derby Battle

July 8, 2019: #BlueJays Vladimir Guerrero Jr. broke HR derby records for total HR (91; 30 more than old record), 1st Rd HR (29), & 2nd Rd HR (40). Pete Alonso hit more in the final becoming the 2nd rookie to win the Derby in a battle of young power hitterspic.twitter.com/w5bnWZO3aG
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 8, 2021

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. began his MLB career with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019 after four seasons in the Minor Leagues, ultimately rising as the MLB’s No.1 prospect and one of the most hyped young phenoms of the decade. That same season he made history at the Home Run Derby. Rookie Vlad Jr. put up a record 29 home runs in the first round against Matt Chapman and finished with a record 40 against Joc Pederson.

Vladdy ended the day with an all-time record of 91, 30 more than the previous record set by Giancarlo Stanton. Despite the historic effort, Guerrero was unable to outdo Pete Alonso in the final round and finished second place. Alonso’s 57 home runs that day put him in fourth place for most single-derby home runs and made him the second rookie ever to win the contest, joining fellow New Yorker Aaron Judge. Vlad Jr. was not the first member of his family to participate in this event. His father, Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr., won it in 2007.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 2021 Toronto #BlueJays highlights as the youngest All-Star voting leader ever pic.twitter.com/msaWNlwmKZ
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 2, 2021