Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
From Josh Hamilton’s legendary display at Yankee Stadium to Sammy Sosa’s mammoth shots at Turner Field, here are the 11 most memorable Home Run Derby performances that left baseball fans in awe.
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1. Josh Hamilton’s Legendary 2008 Performance
In one of baseball’s most electrifying moments, Josh Hamilton put on an unforgettable show at the old Yankee Stadium, launching 28 first-round homers, including 13 consecutive blasts. His longest shot traveled 518 feet, and though he didn’t win the derby, his 35 total homers and the crowd chanting his name created an electric atmosphere that remains unmatched in derby history.
2. Pete Alonso’s Record-Breaking 2019 Victory
Pete Alonso made history at Progressive Field, crushing 57 total home runs to set a single-derby record. His victory over Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in an epic final round showcased incredible endurance and power, earning him the largest prize in derby history – $1 million.
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Epic 2019 Display
Despite finishing second, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. set a record with 91 total home runs in 2019. His semifinal battle with Joc Pederson required three tiebreakers and featured 40 combined homers. Guerrero’s 488-foot blast was the longest of the night, demonstrating incredible power and stamina throughout the competition.
4. Bobby Abreu’s 2005 Dominance
Bobby Abreu set what was then a derby record with 41 total homers at Comerica Park. The Venezuelan star’s performance included an impressive 24 first-round homers, inspiring a generation of Latin American players and establishing one of the most impressive displays of power hitting in derby history.
5. Giancarlo Stanton’s Power Show in 2016
At Petco Park, Giancarlo Stanton unleashed 61 total homers, including multiple shots exceeding 490 feet. His raw power was on full display, with an average exit velocity of 111.9 mph, cementing his status as one of baseball’s premier power hitters.
6. Ken Griffey Jr.’s Iconic 1998 Victory
At Coors Field, Ken Griffey Jr. became the first player to win the derby in both leagues. His smooth left-handed swing and backward cap became synonymous with the event, and his three derby titles (1994, 1998, 1999) set a record that stood until Pete Alonso matched it.
7. Mark McGwire’s 1999 Fenway Park Show
During his historic home run chase era, McGwire launched several balls over Fenway Park’s Green Monster and onto Lansdowne Street. His 13 first-round homers averaged 485 feet, including one mammoth shot estimated at 510 feet, showcasing his legendary power during baseball’s home run renaissance.
8. Juan Soto’s 2022 Championship Performance
At Dodger Stadium, Juan Soto outdueled rookie sensation Julio Rodríguez, hitting 19 homers in the final round. Amid swirling trade rumors, Soto’s precise swing and ability to hit to all fields impressed viewers and demonstrated his exceptional hitting prowess.
9. Aaron Judge’s 2017 Rookie Triumph
The rookie sensation dominated at Marlins Park with 47 total homers, including four massive shots over 500 feet. Judge’s performance featured a 513-foot blast that nearly hit the roof, making him the first rookie to win the derby outright.
10. David Ortiz’s 2010 Victory
Big Papi claimed victory at Angel Stadium with 32 total homers, showcasing his legendary power and charismatic personality. His performance, complete with several moonshots and his signature smile, made him the first Red Sox player to win the derby.
11. Sammy Sosa’s 2000 Power Display
At Turner Field, Sosa unleashed multiple 500+ foot homers that threatened to leave the stadium entirely. Though finishing second to Griffey, his raw power display included a mammoth 524-foot shot, making it one of the most impressive performances in derby history.