My money's on Bautista.

I'll be there, but way up high about even with first base.

I don't know how they'll do at the whole hitting homers thing, but if they ever assemble a relay race involving home run derby collectives, I'm putting my money on this year's NL team.

I think Trumbo does well.

CHECKLIST (as always, the checklist is closed once the event starts, and once the event starts it will only be put up once per page, unless there is a storm of cliches that fills out several checks at once):

Ball goes in fountains [ ]
Ball goes over fountains [ ]
Person falls into fountains [ ]
Giancarlo Stanton referenced [ ] (Called "Mike" [ ])
Gratuitous required-by-ESPN reference to... Lebron [] Tebow []
Dwight Howard traded by Orlando before end of event []
Berman declares home run headed to... Kansas City, Kansas [ ] St. Joseph [ ] St. Louis [ ] Liberty [] Chillicothe [] Independence [ ] Columbia [] Springfield [ ] THE MOON [ ]
Reference to Negro League Museum [ ]
Reference to Kansas City barbecue [ ]
A "Gold Ball" home run [ ]
Selig shows up [ ]
Flashback to Hamilton's Yankee Stadium performance [ ]
Berman makes reference to a song that is older than Bryce Harper [ ]
It rains [ ]
Berman makes reference to an AFL-era Kansas City Chief [ ]
George Brett shows up [ ] (reference to pine tar incident [ ])
Reference to Cecil Fielder [ ] (mention how he and Prince remain estranged [ ])
Controversy of R.A. Dickey not starting mentioned [ ]
Mike Trout and Bryce Harper mentioned in same breath [ ]
Reference to Ichiro, Wily Mo Pena, or other BP home run legend [ ]
Mention how Cano's dad had a cup of coffee [ ]
Any mention of the words "Steroids" or "Performance-Enhancers" [ ]
Reggie Jackson mentioned [ ] (Mention is NOT in reference to how he is now persona non grata with Yanks [ ])
Audible swear word [ ]
Matt Wieters sighting [ ]
Ball goes 500+ feet [ ]
Ball hits a sign, car or other object where somebody wins something if a ball hits it [ ]
Somebody on sidelines waves national flag during a hitter's turn [ ]
Reference to how Carlos Beltran was a Royal [ ]
Outfield fielder makes nice play [ ]

More suggestions are welcome.

#3 I for one would love to see Kemp in this race, running as hard as possible, for as long as possible.

I'm pretty sure the Dodgers, however, would not be nearly as excited.

Berman makes reference to a song that is older than Bryce Harper [ ]

This is guaranteed to happen, no need to have it on the list.

I for one would love to see Kemp in this race, running as hard as possible, for as long as possible.

And the course should include one hundred barefoot yards over a parking lot covered with broken glass, followed by an alligator-infested swamp. Go, Matt, go!

So you basically want Kemp to participate in a live action version of Pitfall?

So you basically want Kemp to participate in a live action version of Pitfall?

ABC suggests he just take part in the next season of Wipeout

So you basically want Kemp to participate in a live action version of Pitfall?

And now I'm hearing the Atari 2600 theme song for this one.

Bo Jackson highlight reel []
Someone brings barbecue into the announcer's booth []
Bud Selig talks about how KC is on the right track []
Bud Selig talks about labor peace []
Mention of Billy Butler snub when fans boo Robinson Cano []
Footage of Cecil Fielder in HR Derby []

For the checklist... something about Tony LaRussa snubbing Cueto, Phillips, or Greinke?

Definitely will add in some of these....

Here it is so far:

CHECKLIST (as always, the checklist is closed once the event starts, and once the event starts it will only be put up once per page, unless there is a storm of cliches that fills out several checks at once):

Ball goes in fountains [ ]
Ball goes over fountains [ ]
Person falls into fountains [ ]
Giancarlo Stanton referenced [ ] (Called "Mike" [ ])
Gratuitous required-by-ESPN reference to... Lebron [] Tebow []
Dwight Howard traded by Orlando before end of event []
Berman declares home run headed to... Kansas City, Kansas [ ] St. Joseph [ ] St. Louis [ ] Liberty [] Chillicothe [] Independence [ ] Columbia [] Springfield [ ] THE MOON [ ]
Reference to Negro League Museum [ ]
Reference to Kansas City barbecue [ ]
A "Gold Ball" home run [ ]
Selig shows up [ ]
Flashback to Hamilton's Yankee Stadium performance [ ]
Berman makes reference to a song that is older than Bryce Harper [ ]
It rains [ ]
Berman makes reference to an AFL-era Kansas City Chief [ ]
George Brett shows up [ ] (reference to pine tar incident [ ])
Reference to Cecil Fielder [ ] (mention how he and Prince remain estranged [ ])
Controversy of R.A. Dickey not starting mentioned [ ]
Mike Trout and Bryce Harper mentioned in same breath [ ]
Reference to Ichiro, Wily Mo Pena, or other BP home run legend [ ]
Mention how Cano's dad had a cup of coffee [ ]
Any mention of the words "Steroids" or "Performance-Enhancers" [ ]
Reggie Jackson mentioned [ ] (Mention is NOT in reference to how he is now persona non grata with Yanks [ ])
Audible swear word [ ]
Matt Wieters sighting [ ]
Ball goes 500+ feet [ ]
Ball hits a sign, car or other object where somebody wins something if a ball hits it [ ]
Somebody on sidelines waves national flag during a hitter's turn [ ]
Reference to how Carlos Beltran was a Royal [ ]
Outfield fielder makes nice play [ ]
Talk about La Russa snub accusations [ ]
Bo Jackson reel [ ]
Billy Butler reference [ ]
Labor peace mentioned [ ]
Royals on right track [ ]
Barbecue in booth [ ]

More suggestions are welcome.

I trust they are going to continue to use a live ball.

A Steve Balboni reference seems like a longshot, but it also seems right up Berman's alley. Plus he still holds the Royals' single-season HR record...

Berman debuts new nickname

Reference to Negro League Museum [ ]

I'd throw in Reference to Buck O'Neil / Kansas City Monarchs / Negro League Gold Gloves / Other NL star [ ]

and maybe

Batter gets fanned / given drink by other player during home run binge [ ] or during bad slump [ ]

Thanks for doing this, I wasn't too excited about 3+ hours of derby coverage but this'll help.

Berman will also ask..."I wonder what Machine Kansas City misses more...Pujols or Pendergast?"

Okay, maybe not.

Bleh. Without Stanton, the Derby only interests me this year as a Blue Jays/Joey Bats fan.

Ball goes in fountains [ ]
Ball goes over fountains [ ]
Person falls into fountains [ ]
Giancarlo Stanton referenced [ ] (Called "Mike" [ ])
Gratuitous required-by-ESPN reference to... Lebron [] Tebow []
Dwight Howard traded by Orlando before end of event []
Berman declares home run headed to... Kansas City, Kansas [ ] St. Joseph [ ] St. Louis [ ] Liberty [] Chillicothe [] Independence [ ] Columbia [] Springfield [ ] THE MOON [ ]
Reference to Negro League Museum [ ]
Reference to Kansas City barbecue [ ]
A "Gold Ball" home run [ ]
Selig shows up [ ]
Flashback to Hamilton's Yankee Stadium performance [ ]
Berman makes reference to a song that is older than Bryce Harper [ ]
It rains [ ]
Berman makes reference to an AFL-era Kansas City Chief [ ]
George Brett shows up [ ] (reference to pine tar incident [ ])
Reference to Cecil Fielder [ ] (mention how he and Prince remain estranged [ ])
Controversy of R.A. Dickey not starting mentioned [ ]
Mike Trout and Bryce Harper mentioned in same breath [ ]
Reference to Ichiro, Wily Mo Pena, or other BP home run legend [ ]
Mention how Cano's dad had a cup of coffee [ ]
Any mention of the words "Steroids" or "Performance-Enhancers" [ ]
Reggie Jackson mentioned [ ] (Mention is NOT in reference to how he is now persona non grata with Yanks [ ])
Audible swear word [ ]
Matt Wieters sighting [ ]
Ball goes 500+ feet [ ]
Ball hits a sign, car or other object where somebody wins something if a ball hits it [ ]
Somebody on sidelines waves national flag during a hitter's turn [ ]
Reference to how Carlos Beltran was a Royal [ ]
Outfield fielder makes nice play [ ]
Talk about La Russa snub accusations [ ]
Bo Jackson reel [ ]
Billy Butler reference [ ]
Labor peace mentioned [ ]
Royals on right track [ ]
Barbecue in booth [ ]
Buck O'Neil mentioned [ ]
KC Monarchs mentioned [ ]
Batter swings and misses [ ]
Batter given drink by other player [ ]
Person in booth openly worries that a batter is going to go 0-for-10 []

Child shown of derby contestant[] Child involved on field [] Player picks up child after hitting []
10 random people shown who will win house when X player wins... Oh forget that one no need to draw more attention to state farm.

Jose Canseco @JoseCanseco

I would win the MLB homerun derby tonight if I was given chance

R. A. Dickey almost made a strong case for the Nutty Buddy while demonstrating his knuckle ball to Harold Reynolds on the MLB Channel. Harold ended the demo rather quickly.

Getting closer...

Ball goes in fountains [ ]
Ball goes over fountains [ ]
Person falls into fountains [ ]
Giancarlo Stanton referenced [ ] (Called "Mike" [ ])
Gratuitous required-by-ESPN reference to... Lebron [] Tebow []
Dwight Howard traded by Orlando before end of event []
Berman declares home run headed to... Kansas City, Kansas [ ] St. Joseph [ ] St. Louis [ ] Liberty [] Chillicothe [] Independence [ ] Columbia [] Springfield [ ] THE MOON [ ]
Reference to Negro League Museum [ ]
Reference to Kansas City barbecue [ ]
A "Gold Ball" home run [ ]
Selig shows up [ ]
Flashback to Hamilton's Yankee Stadium performance [ ]
Berman makes reference to a song that is older than Bryce Harper [ ]
It rains [ ]
Berman makes reference to an AFL-era Kansas City Chief [ ]
George Brett shows up [ ] (reference to pine tar incident [ ])
Reference to Cecil Fielder [ ] (mention how he and Prince remain estranged [ ])
Controversy of R.A. Dickey not starting mentioned [ ]
Mike Trout and Bryce Harper mentioned in same breath [ ]
Reference to Ichiro, Wily Mo Pena, or other BP home run legend [ ]
Mention how Cano's dad had a cup of coffee [ ]
Any mention of the words "Steroids" or "Performance-Enhancers" [ ]
Reggie Jackson mentioned [ ] (Mention is NOT in reference to how he is now persona non grata with Yanks [ ])
Audible swear word [ ]
Matt Wieters sighting [ ]
Ball goes 500+ feet [ ]
Ball hits a sign, car or other object where somebody wins something if a ball hits it [ ]
Somebody on sidelines waves national flag during a hitter's turn [ ]
Reference to how Carlos Beltran was a Royal [ ]
Outfield fielder makes nice play [ ]
Talk about La Russa snub accusations [ ]
Bo Jackson reel [ ]
Billy Butler reference [ ]
Labor peace mentioned [ ]
Royals on right track [ ]
Barbecue in booth [ ]
Buck O'Neil mentioned [ ]
KC Monarchs mentioned [ ]
Batter swings and misses [ ]
Batter given drink by other player [ ]
Person in booth openly worries that a batter is going to go 0-for-10 []
Kemp's Shoes []
Player picks up their kid after hitting [ ]
Jose Canseco is mentioned for any reason whatsoever [ ]
Commercial for... Dark Knight Rises [ ] The Watch [ ] The Bourne Legacy [ ] The Campaign [ ]
Appearance by NL Hitting Coach Mark McGwire [ ]
Reference to how Mariano Rivera got injured in KC [ ]
Balboni reference [ ]

As its the 2010's we may have to update Kemps game to Temple Run. then he can get eaten by demons... and of course that's a fair fate for any Dodger.

Not sure I can get Pitfall on an Iphone anyway, but that was an awsome game.

Not sure I can get Pitfall on an Iphone anyway, but that was an awsome game.

Speak of the devil...

serious question

did braun decline to participate? cause how do you not have the league leader?

not griping. just puzzled

Great, now Ill never get any work done.

did braun decline to participate? cause how do you not have the league leader?

I think he had said something like he didn't want to, so Kemp didn't even ask.

Braun was asked about that, and said:

"Anybody that's been through it before, it's an amazing experience. You never know if you'll have an opportunity to be in a Home Run Derby and I was fortunate to be in it once. It was definitely exhausting the year I did do it. So I wouldn't say I necessarily didn't want to do it but as I said before, I truly enjoy watching it. These guys are phenomenal baseball players, unbelievable athletes. I'm just excited to have the opportunity to watch them tonight."

The same piece claims that Kemp didn't pick Braun because he heard he wasn't interested.

Berman makes reference to a song that is older than Bryce Harper Lee [ ]

FIFY

did braun decline to participate? cause how do you not have the league leader?

I think he has herpes.

Almost there, only going to add more if somebody comes in with something really awesome:

Ball goes in fountains [ ]
Ball goes over fountains [ ]
Person falls into fountains [ ]
Giancarlo Stanton referenced [ ] (Called "Mike" [ ])
Gratuitous required-by-ESPN reference to... Lebron [] Tebow []
Dwight Howard traded by Orlando before end of event []
Berman declares home run headed to... Kansas City, Kansas [ ] St. Joseph [ ] St. Louis [ ] Liberty [] Chillicothe [] Independence [ ] Columbia [] Springfield [ ] THE MOON [ ]
Reference to Negro League Museum [ ]
Reference to Kansas City barbecue [ ]
A "Gold Ball" home run [ ]
Selig shows up [ ]
Flashback to Hamilton's Yankee Stadium performance [ ]
Berman makes reference to a song that is older than Bryce Harper [ ] (Older than Chipper Jones [ ]) (Older than Harper Lee [ ])
It rains [ ]
Berman makes reference to an AFL-era Kansas City Chief [ ]
George Brett shows up [ ] (reference to pine tar incident [ ])
Reference to Cecil Fielder [ ] (mention how he and Prince remain estranged [ ])
Controversy of R.A. Dickey not starting mentioned [ ]
Mike Trout and Bryce Harper mentioned in same breath [ ]
Reference to Ichiro, Wily Mo Pena, or other BP home run legend [ ]
Mention how Cano's dad had a cup of coffee [ ]
Any mention of the words "Steroids" or "Performance-Enhancers" [ ]
Reggie Jackson mentioned [ ] (Mention is NOT in reference to how he is now persona non grata with Yanks [ ])
Audible swear word [ ]
Matt Wieters sighting [ ]
Ball goes 500+ feet [ ]
Ball hits a sign, car or other object where somebody wins something if a ball hits it [ ]
Somebody on sidelines waves national flag during a hitter's turn [ ]
Reference to how Carlos Beltran was a Royal [ ]
Outfield fielder makes nice play [ ]
Talk about La Russa snub accusations [ ]
Bo Jackson reel [ ]
Billy Butler reference [ ] (Cano booed because of it [ ])
Labor peace mentioned [ ]
Royals on right track [ ]
Barbecue in booth [ ]
Buck O'Neil mentioned [ ]
KC Monarchs mentioned [ ]
Batter swings and misses [ ]
Batter given drink by other player [ ]
Person in booth openly worries that a batter is going to go 0-for-10 []
Kemp's Shoes []
Player picks up their kid after hitting [ ]
Jose Canseco is mentioned for any reason whatsoever [ ]
Commercial for... Dark Knight Rises [ ] The Watch [ ] The Bourne Legacy [ ] The Campaign [ ]
Appearance by NL Hitting Coach Mark McGwire [ ]
Reference to how Mariano Rivera got injured in KC [ ]
Balboni reference [ ]
Ball comes perilously close to ESPN set [ ]
Reference to the MLB Fan Cave [ ]
Ball somehow hits the crowned scoreboard [ ]
Ball somehow ACTUALLY LEAVES THE STADIUM [ ] (how long would THAT have to be)
Mention of the weather and how hot it has been [ ]
Reference to the fact Nomar is married to Mia Hamm []

This isn't part of the MLB.tv package? HORSE ####!

Okay, here we go. Let me know if I miss anything.

You can check off flashback to Hamilton's Yankee Stadium performance.

I was worried that they were about to do the 'great home runs' montage without showing Joe Carter.

I start counting once Berman opens his mouth, so technically, Hamilton flashback hasn't been featured yet.

This isn't part of the MLB.tv package? HORSE ####!

It's on WatchESPN/ESPN3 if you have access to that.

This band is a little boring.

One of the guys looks a little bit like Caveman-era Johnny Damon.

I will feel terribly cheated if they don't have Rick Reuschel drop by the booth.

Beltran was a royal [X]
Cano booed [X]

I'm watching with the sound off because Berman is truly unlistenable.

No mention of Bautista's 13 games (OPS+ 23) for the Royals.

I wish Cano would have asked Billy Butler to participate.

Ditto Buster Olney.

I don't know if Butler would know what Robby just said to him.

I'm watching with the sound off because Berman is truly unlistenable.


The KC crowd totally no-selling his "Left field, make some noise!" schtick was glorious.

Beltran is taking pitches. A good strategy.

Whatever ESPN is using to mark the distance and landing point of the HRs is impressive. I don't remember seeing that before.

I think what this needs is middle-aged men in the outfield instead of kids. Like Simmons and his friends or something.

ESPN just missed a home run. It's the Home Run Derby you incompetent jackasses. All you have to do is show home runs!

Gold Ball Homer [X]

Gold Ball HR! I don't think Carlos is going to make it to Rd 2 - too many doubles.

Joey Bats time...

Who is this kid pitching for Bautista? The Blue Jays batboy?

I hope his pitcher is better than the one from last year.

Bautista just isn't clutch.

Bautista's pitcher sucks again...ugh.

Not sure if that one counts as dangerously close to ESPN set...

So what's the 'projected distance'? How far it would go if it rolled?

THAT one was close to ESPN.

How can a HR have a projected distance?

I think if it landed on a surface the same elevation as home plate..insead of bouncing off a wall 20 feet up. Look at this picture. I think the dotted line is "projected."

Jose's pitcher finally pitching inside after throwing everything to the outer half.

This Bautista guy has some power

Projected Distance, I believe, is if there weren't any obstructions or seats getting in the way, like if they were hitting in a desert.

That's some pretty sweet off-speed stuff this guy is throwing.

The drink part is checked now, BTW.

Bautista is singlehandedly driving up State Farm insurance premiums.

Bautista just wanted to wait until his homers would go to charity.

Jose should have asked Henderson Alvarez to throw for him. Really glad he redeemed himself (in a big way) this year.

Was "Guy in super-dayglow orange shorts catches a HR" on the list?

After the first two hitters, I think RHBs have a huge advantage - Bautista was sneaking a few over the left field fence, while Beltran had to hit it at least 400'.

I have to admit, that Kerry Wood/Andre Dawson commercial was funny in a strange way.

Kerry Wood has gotten really skinny.

After the first two hitters, I think RHBs have a huge advantage - Bautista was sneaking a few over the left field fence, while Beltran had to hit it at least 400'.

I was kinda surprised to see Beltran set up on that side...I thought Kaufman was well-known as a right-handed HR park.

Also, I think that commercial confirms that the Wrigley ivy is the TARDIS.

Christ, I thought they always reported what is apparently the "projected" distance; anything else is meaningless.

Man, I love watching homeruns from overhead. That is a cool angle.

Matt Cain's daughter really looks like Matt Cain.

Matt Cain's daughter really looks like Matt Cain.

It's the shape of the head at least...

That qualifies as a audible cuss word, right?

The squinty eyes, too.

Do they put the bases out on the infield? If so, why?

That almost went to the fountain.

R.A. Dickey [X]

(it's like they knew CarGo wouldn't do so well and decided to talk to everybody)

R.A. Dickey's son looks like Matt Cain.

Who have the worst HR Derby records? I know that Piazza was especially hapless back in the day.

Who have the worst HR Derby records? I know that Piazza was especially hapless back in the day.


Jason Bay hit zero for Team Canada, I recall.

Wait, did they say Mike Stanton there?

That was a long HR.

JUST missed the Fountains.

Does that count as over the fountains? Because it cleared the fountains.

It cleared the Fountains. Not the big fountains, but still the fountains.

I would rather listen to Berman make up an endless stream of Bermanisms than all the BACKBACKBACK...jesus, that was played out 10 years ago.

I would be hugely impressed if Berman busts out a "Johnny Got His Gun" reference here.

There have been a few zeros. Troy Glaus in 2001. Bret Boone in 2003. Jason Bay in 2005. Brandon Inge in 2009.

Wichita isn't on the checklist?!