Hamilton Won't Participate In Home Run Derby

Texas Rangers OF Josh Hamilton told a Dallas radio station that he will not participate in this year's Home Run Derby if he was picked to participate. Hamilton participated in the 2008 Home Run Derby at the old Yankee Stadium, and hit a record 28 home runs in the first round. What people tend to forget is that Hamilton actually lost the competition to Twins 1B Justin Morneau. The All-Star Game and its festivities will be held in Angel Stadium in Anaheim.

Players in recent years have showed their reluctance to participate in the Derby. It has shown to affect players' performances after performing in the Derby. The prime example of this has been OF Bobby Abreu of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. When he was a member of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2005, Abreu hit a total of 41 home runs. After the Derby, he was unable to be an effective home run hitter several seasons after that day. It also affected 3B David Wright's swing after he participated in the 2006 Home Run Derby.

Hamilton is currently hitting .337 with 16 home runs and 52 RBIs. He is a big part of the Rangers success so far in the first half, and he probably feels as if participating in the Derby will affect his performance. He is right. The Home Run Derby isn't popular anymore among fans as it used to be many years ago as well. It may be time to start thinking of removing the Derby from All-Star festivities, and it replace it with something else. But for now, that something else may be difficult to come up with.