“That’s worse than the national anthem!”; “Needs more Scooby snacks to win!” - MLB fans respond to Gunnar Henderson’s swift Home Run Derby exit
Baltimore Orioles' Gunnar Henderson entered the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby as one of the favorites, alongside Pete Alonso. This comes after the O's shortstop slashed 28 home runs already this season, only trailing the New York Yankees' Aaron Judge in the American League.
However, Henderson was the worst hitter on the night, only able to hit 11-run home runs, ranking him the lowest in the eight-slugger field. He joined Pete Alonso, Marcell Ozuna and Adolis Garcia in getting eliminated in the first round.
His underwhelming performance stirred many reactions from fans on X/Twiter:
"Needs more Scooby snacks to win!" one fan wrote after Henderson arrived with a Scooby Doo bat for the Derby.
"That’s worse than the national anthem!" another added, following a poorly received National Anthem rendition by country musician Ingrid Andress.
"Gunna choke," another commented.
However, some came out in support of Gunnar Henderson:
"Gunnar Henderson has a higher HR/Flyball rate this season than he did in the HR derby. Totally natural," one wrote.
"Tough debut for Gunnar. He’ll be back again," another added.
Finally, the 2024 Home Run Derby went to Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Teoscar Hernandez, who overcame Alec Bohm (in a swing off) in the semifinals and eventually Bobby Witt Jr. in the finals to lift the trophy for the first time.
Gunnar Henderson receives props from rival captain Aaron Judge
The Orioles and Yankees have had many tensions brewing between them of late, but it didn't keep the latter's captain, Aaron Judge, from giving props to Gunnar Henderson ahead of the MLB All-Star game.
During the All-Star presser, Judge was all praise for the AL MVP contender, adding that he is excited to share the field with him on Tuesday, representing the American League at Globe Life Field:
"I just watched him because we just played in Baltimore. It's Gunnar Henderson," Judge said.
"I have seen him what he has done for them. They are in first place, doing their thing. It's just impressive to watch, at-bat after at-bat. He works his walks, he plays great defence, hits the ball out of the park, hits for average, great instincts on the basepaths. He is a special talent," Judge added.
Both are leading their franchises to the postseason while also gaining props for the AL MVP showdown during the regular season. The cutthroat rivalry will likely continue after the All-Star break but for the time being, they are All-Star teammates.