2023 MWBL CHRISTMAS CLASSIC HOME RUN DERBY

Matanzas Cuba – 12/25/2023

Despite some spotty pop-up thunderstorms, the Mid-West Baseball League held its 20th Annual Christmas Classic again this year on a semi-wet and cold evening in Matanzas Cuba tonight.   A 72-degree day turned a little cooler with the winds blowing in at 7 MPH, which was not the perfect setting for the Mid-West Baseball League annual event.  Street vendors were out in droves selling hats, T-shirts, sunglasses, and anything they could make a buck on from Americans & other foreign tourists. Twelve MWBL players & families came together with masks on for a jolly old time of fun, very little sun, but yet plenty of Home Runs.

The Mid-West Baseball League (MWBL) was electrified as the roar of the crowd echoed through the stadium during the much-anticipated Christmas Classic Home Run Derby Contest. Amidst the crackling excitement, 12 formidable sluggers stepped onto the field, their sights set on the coveted title.

The Mid-West Baseball League’s Christmas Classic Home Run Derby ignited the stadium with a display of sheer power and precision. Aaron Judge, the towering force, thundered 7 monumental shots that soared high & faded away into the night sky, setting a colossal benchmark for the competitors. Following Judge’s lead, Austin Riley and Freddie Freeman synchronized their swings, each launching an impressive tally of 10 homers in the first round, thrilling the roaring crowd.

Meanwhile, Cal Raleigh, displaying unwavering focus, blasted 11 prodigious shots, setting the stage on fire with bombs. Yordan Alvarez showcased his raw strength but managed only to land 3 amidst the fervent competition. However, Kyle Schwarber, despite his sheer determination, fell slightly behind with 5 impressive home runs, leaving the crowd in awe of his powerful strokes.

Gleyber Torres, with his elegant form, graced the field with 8 towering drives, while Matt Olson’s calculated swings yielded a modest but commendable 2 homers. In an unexpected turn, both Nick Plummer and Nolan Arenado matched Alvarez’s count, each securing 3 home runs.  Both players had higher expectations as they entered the batter’s box.

Mookie Betts, a contender renowned for his prowess, faced a setback due to a hand injury sustained at his charity bowling event the previous evening. Despite his injury, Betts valiantly attempted swings with one hand, displaying his unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

The climax arrived with the explosive performance of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., whose mighty swings resonated across the stadium, amassing a solid 9  home runs. 

As the Raindrops and Thunder danced around the field, the first round of the MWBL Christmas Classic Home Run Derby concluded, leaving the audience exhilarated and eager for the subsequent rounds, brimming with anticipation for more breathtaking displays of power hitting.   When the rain subsided a little after the first round had ended, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Freddie Freeman, Austin Riley, and Cal Raleigh emerged as the top four hitters advancing to the second round.

In the Smei-Final Round, Austin Riley showcased his skill knocking out 4 bombs, and Freddie Freeman just outmatched him with 5, but both delivered stunning performances, falling short in the end.  Cal Raleigh, with 8 bombs continued to amaze & Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit 8, setting the stage for an exhilarating final round between Raleigh & Guerrero Jr..

The tension soared as the finals commenced.  Cal Raleigh launched 3 solid home runs in his 10 swings, captivating the audience. However, it was Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who stole the spotlight, smashing an impressive 5 homers to claim victory.

Remarkably, both Raleigh & GUerrero Jr. finished the night tied with 22 home runs during the event, but Vladdy’s immense talent and determination in the Final Round producing 5 Home Runs won it for the big man.

Amidst the thrilling competition, three homers stood out for their jaw-dropping distances. Matt Olson’s colossal shot soared an astonishing 557 feet, while Freddie Freeman’s mammoth blast reached an incredible 582 feet. Yet, the pinnacle was reached by a majestic 591-foot bomb off the bat of Austin Riley etching an unforgettable moment in the history of the MWBL.

As the crowd erupted in thunderous applause, the MWBL celebrated an unforgettable night of incredible athleticism and staggering displays of power, crowning Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as the deserving champion of the 2023 Mid-West Baseball League Chrismas Classic.

The Christmas Classic Rules are posted here.