Baseball enthusiasts were treated to an unforgettable spectacle during the MLB Home Run Derby this past Monday night, as an outfield ballboy made a jaw-dropping play that left fans in disbelief. The thrilling moment unfolded in the final round of the derby, where Tampa Bay Rays powerhouse Junior Caminero was vying for supremacy against Seattle Mariners’ standout Cal Raleigh.
Caminero launched a ball deep into left field, looking poised to clear the fence and add another home run to his tally. In an unexpected twist, however, one of the outfield ballboys, whose primary job is to collect baseballs that don’t leave the park, managed to snatch a home run away from the Rays slugger. This unusual moment instantly became the talk of the night, with the ESPN broadcasters recalling a similar incident involving Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg from about four decades ago—though Sandberg’s scenario featured a high school baseball team in the outfield.
Despite the surreal twist, Caminero was still in striking distance to overcome Raleigh’s impressive performance but ultimately fell short, with Raleigh clinching the victory with a score of 18-15.
Catching the attention of fans and players alike, Raleigh, affectionately dubbed “Big Dumper,” made history by becoming the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby since its inception 40 years ago. Raleigh’s accomplishment is particularly remarkable as he is only the second player from the Mariners to win the event, following the legendary Ken Griffey Jr., who was present in the dugout to witness this historic moment.
“Anyone who’s played baseball as a kid dreams of moments like this,” said Cal Raleigh’s father, capturing the sentiment that resonates with many fans. “I dreamed of it, he dreamed of it. Watching your child experience joy like this is a feeling unlike any other for a parent.”
Raleigh’s journey to the final round was no cakewalk; it came down to a tiebreaker with the Oakland Athletics’ Brent Rooker. Raleigh unleashed a breathtaking home run that traveled a remarkable 470.61 feet, barely surpassing Rooker’s distance of 470.53 feet.
As the excitement rolls into the All-Star Game, Raleigh will get to proudly represent the Mariners. The game is set to unfold at Truist Park, the home of the Atlanta Braves, and fans can catch all the action live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET. One thing is for sure: the memories from this year’s derby will linger long in the minds of fans and players alike, highlighting the magic that baseball consistently delivers.
