PHOTO: Orioles rising star Gunnar Henderson pays tribute to childhood with custom-made Scooby-Doo bat for Home Run Derby 2024
Baltimore Orioles ace shortstop and now an All-Star, Gunnar Henderson, took part in the MLB Home Run Derby on Monday night at Globe Life Field in Alrington, Texas. During the competition, Henderson brought out a custom-made Scooby-Doo bat to pay a glistening tribute to one of the most famous childhood cartoons.
Take a look at Gunnar's custom bat here:
Henderson has been leading the offensive charts for the Orioles this season. He has risen up in the ranks to be considered one of the most prolific and consistent players in the American League this season, sharing that stage with some great ballplayers like Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Jose Ramirez.
The 23-year-old played college baseball with the Auburn Tigers. The Orioles selected the outstanding left-handed hitter with the 42nd overall pick in the second round of the 2019 MLB draft. He played in the minor leagues for little over a year and quickly made the transition to their triple-A affiliate, the Norfolk Tides.
The Birds selected his contract on August 31, 2022. Since then, the young gun has been trailblazing his way through the roster, impressing the staff and the roster with his searing performances in both departments. Henderson leads all the hitting stats on the Orioles roster this season.
He's batting with an average of .286, with 28 home runs, 63 RBIs and .956 OPS. He was the AL Rookie of the Season last year and also won a Silver Sluger Award. But this season, he has proven himself to be one of the best hitters in the AL, which has helped him earn an All-Star nod.
How Orioles' Gunnar Henderson fared in round 1 of the MLB Home Run Derby
Gunnar Henderson participated in his first MLB Home Run Derby on Monday night. Despite going out in round 1, he crushed 11 home runs. His hardest hit home run was clocked at 106 mph exit velocity, while his longest home run was measured at 438 feet inside the Globe Life Field.
Gunnar Henderson's continued excellence at the plate will be key for the Orioles to retain the AL East crown this season. That's because the Yankees and the Red Sox have amped up the pace to chase the table-topping Orioles, who have a 58-38 record for the season.