NEW YORK — Minnesota's Justin Morneau won Monday night's All-Star Home Run Derby, but former Rays prospect Josh Hamilton was the story.
Hamilton, continuing his remarkable comeback with Texas, put on a staggering show with a record 28 in the first round, three that were estimated at more than 500 feet.
"I didn't care if I won it, because I couldn't beat that right there," Hamilton said.
Making Hamilton's story more heartwarming, he invited 71-year-old Clay Counsil to pitch for him, as he did to Hamilton and many other teens over the years in their native North Carolina.
"A thrill a mile wide … beyond words," said Counsil, who said he was last at Yankee Stadium for Don Larsen's 1956 World Series perfect game. "Something good happens every time I come."
Hamilton had such a large lead he took just a few swings in the second round, but, admittedly tired, managed only three homers in the finals while Morneau hit five.
"Standing at home plate and having Yankee Stadium chant your name, is there a better feeling?" Hamilton said.
Rays rookie Evan Longoria hit only three and finished last in the field of eight. After he made six straight outs, fans chanted "We want Jason" in reference to him beating out Jason Giambi for the final All-Star spot.
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