MLB Home Run Derby X: A Night of Explosive Hits at Principal Park
Get ready, baseball fans! The highly anticipated MLB Home Run Derby X is coming to Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa this Saturday night. This thrilling event, now in its second year in the U.S., will showcase some of the biggest names in the sport, including former MLB stars and renowned collegiate and pro softball players.
Among the star-studded lineup are Ben Zobrist and Jake Arrieta, both well-known for their impressive home run records. With six locations across the country, Principal Park is honored to host this electrifying event.
MLB Home Run Derby X Takes Over Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa — Get ready for an exciting night of baseball as the MLB Home Run Derby X comes to Principal Park on Saturday.
This is only the second year that the event has been held in the U.S., and Principal Park is one of six locations chosen to host it. Fans can expect to see former MLB stars and well-known collegiate and pro softball players, including Ben Zobrist and Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs, Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Oklahoma softball star Jocelyn Alo.
The competition will consist of four teams of three players each, facing off in the semi-finals. The first match-up will be between the Cubs and the Cardinals, followed by the Yankees and the Red Sox – two major rivalries in the MLB. The winners of these two games will then compete in the final, with the champion in Des Moines advancing to Salt Lake City, Utah in three weeks.
Each game will be three innings long, with each team taking turns at bat. The offensive team will aim to hit home runs to score points, while the defensive team will try to catch balls that stay in the field to earn points.
Players are eagerly anticipating the event at Principal Park, with former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher and center fielder Rick Ankiel saying, “I had a great time here. I hit three homers in one game here once, so when I found out it was here, I was like, all right, maybe I hope that continues.”
Former Chicago Cubs player Ben Zobrist, known for his line-to-line hitting, is also excited to participate, saying, “I’m not usually a home run hitter, but I’m excited to give it a shot.”
And former Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta, who is known for his ability to hit fastballs, is looking forward to the event, saying, “Fortunately, I had some big homers and big moments and now I’m here. So yeah, I love to hit fastballs. I don’t like anything that spins and fortunately I won’t see any of that.”
Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the first game will start around 6:30 p.m. The night promises to be full of high energy, fan interactions, and a fireworks display following the final. Tickets and more information can be found on the event’s website.
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