“College Baseball Stars Who Conquered the MLB Home Run Derby”

College Baseball Stars Who Conquered the MLB Home Run Derby

Since its inception in 1985, the MLB Home Run Derby has become a highlight of the All-Star weekend, showcasing the power-hitting prowess of baseball’s elite. Notably, 13 former college baseball players have etched their names into the event’s history by winning the prestigious title. The latest to achieve this feat was Pete Alonso, a standout from the University of Florida, who clinched the derby title in 2019 and again in 2021, becoming the first former college player to secure back-to-back wins.

Pete Alonso’s remarkable achievements with the New York Mets, first at Cleveland’s Progressive Field and then at Coors Field in Denver, underscore the significant impact of college baseball on professional success. Before Alonso, only two MLB players had successfully defended their Home Run Derby title: Ken Griffey Jr. (1998-99) and Yoenis Cespedes (2013-14).

Here’s a look back at all the former college baseball players who have won the MLB Home Run Derby:

1986: Wally Joyner (California Angels) – College: BYU (1981-83) – Career MLB HRs: 204 – Career NCAA HRs: 43

1987: Andre Dawson (Chicago Cubs) – College: Florida A&M (1973-75) – Career MLB HRs: 438 – Career NCAA HRs: Stats N/A

1992: Mark McGwire (Oakland Athletics) – College: USC (1982-84) – Career MLB HRs: 583 – Career NCAA HRs: 53

1995: Frank Thomas (Chicago White Sox) – College: Auburn (1987-89) – Career MLB HRs: 521 – Career NCAA HRs: 49

1996: Barry Bonds (San Francisco Giants) – College: Arizona State (1983-85) – Career MLB HRs: 762 – Career NCAA HRs: 45

1997: Tino Martinez (New York Yankees) – College: Tampa (1986-88) – Career MLB HRs: 339 – Career NCAA HRs: 54

2001: Luis Gonzalez (Arizona Diamondbacks) – College: South Alabama (1987-88) – Career MLB HRs: 354 – Career NCAA HRs: 23

2002: Jason Giambi (New York Yankees) – College: Long Beach State (1990-92) – Career MLB HRs: 440 – Career NCAA HRs: 1992 stats N/A

2006: Ryan Howard (Philadelphia Phillies) – College: Missouri State (1998-01) – Career MLB HRs: 382 – Career NCAA HRs: 50

2015: Todd Frazier (Cincinnati Reds) – College: Rutgers (2005-07) – Career MLB HRs: 218 – Career NCAA HRs: 42

2017: Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) – College: Fresno State (2011-13) – Career MLB HRs: 239** – Career NCAA HRs: 18

2018: Bryce Harper (Washington Nationals) – College: College of Southern Nevada (NJCAA) (2010) – Career MLB HRs: 288** – Career NCAA HRs: 31

2019, 2021: Pete Alonso (New York Mets) – College: Florida (2014-16) – Career MLB HRs: 172** – Career NCAA HRs: 23

Note: ** denotes active career totals.

This impressive list features winners from nine different NCAA conferences and two divisions, with Andre Dawson representing Florida A&M back when the Rattlers played in Division II. Notably, the Pac-12 and SEC are the only conferences with more than one representative, showcasing the deep talent pools of these leagues.

For more detailed statistics and the full story behind these baseball legends, visit NCAA.