Home Run Derby: All rise for the new home run champion Aaron Judge

New York Yankees rookie Aaron Judge continued his impressive season, winning the 2017 Home Run Derby with ease over the Minnesota Twins’ Miguel Sano.

Believe the hype, folks. Needing 11 home runs to take the Home Run Derby title back to the Bronx,  Aaron Judge hit that mark effortlessly. He took just two of his four allotted minutes to win his championship in front of a raucous packed crowd at Marlins Park.

In the end, Sano simply took too much time. His pace cost him a real shot at a title, as Judge hammered pitch after pitch into the seats with great regularity.

Although the hometown Miami Marlins fans didn’t get Giancarlo Stanton into the finals, the energy was outstanding. With the introduction of sluggers like Judge, Stanton and the likes, the future of the Home Run Derby is bright.

Judge blasted the longest homer of the night at a staggering 513 feet – high off the glass beyond the left-field seats in the second round. He outdueled the likes of both Justin Bour and Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Cody Bellinger.

The first-round matchups were exciting from start-to-finish. Judge narrowly escaped with a win over the Marlins’ slugger Bour – who was easily one of the biggest dark-horse candidates. Pair him up against anyone besides the Yankees’ outfielder and he may make the finals.

Likely Rookies of the Year take center stage

In the end, it came down to size. Even balls Judge didn’t square up, he wound up hitting into the seats. Bellinger, talking to ESPN, noted that fact – and seemed in awe. 70 pounds lighter than his adversary, the left-hander LA outfielder impressed, as well.

Overall, I’ve got to admit it. As someone who’s never been big on the Derby, this was probably the most fun I’ve had watching. The Marlins organization did a great job – and I can’t give enough credit to the people of Miami and South Florida. The energy was infectious, even watching on television.

For one night, no matter what team you rooted for, we can all agree. With the young talent that was on display Monday night, the future of our beloved game is bright.