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Minnesota Twins: Ranking Twins Home Run Derby Performances

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Apr 11, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; A general view of the MLB All-Star game logo inside Marlins Park prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; A general view of the MLB All-Star game logo inside Marlins Park prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 18, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view at Target Field during the seventh inning in the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Indians. The Indians won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view at Target Field during the seventh inning in the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Indians. The Indians won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Justin Morneau, Yankee Stadium, 2008

Remember that someday from the last slide? That time was in 2008. Many forget that Justin Morneau was the Home Run Derby champion after the incredible and inspirational performance of Texas Rangers star Josh Hamilton. In fact, Morneau hit 13 less total home runs than Hamilton, but he won the round where it counted most.

Even with Hamilton’s incredible 28 home run first round, Morneau was able to outpace him and win the final round 5-3. He was the first and only Twin to become the Home Run Derby champion. The field he was up against was pretty deep, as well. Hamilton, Lance Berkman and a young Evan Longoria all participated at the last Home Run Derby at the old Yankee Stadium.

Morneau’s season in 2008 was not as good as the season before, power wise, hitting only 23 home runs. He did, however, drive in 129 runs and hit .300. The highlight of the season had to be his Derby win, and scoring the game winning run in the All-Star Game on a Michael Young sacrifice fly. It was a good All-Star experience for Morneau.

The Twins have not had the most success in the Home Run Derby, overall. They have only had one player make it out of the first round in the history of the contest. However, he did go on to win the whole thing.

Next: Twins Sign Top Pick Royce Lewis

Maybe we will see another Twin in the Home Run Derby in Miami. A Miguel Sano debut? A Brian Dozier return? We will just have to wait and see. If we are lucky, maybe Sano can mash a few and put a few dents in that ugly sculpture the Marlins put over the center field fence.

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