Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel will serve as the pitcher for Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper in the upcoming Home Run Derby. Ebel confirmed the arrangement in an interview, stating that Harper reached out to him directly with the request.
"It's an honor for somebody to ask you, especially when you don't throw to him on a daily basis," Ebel said. "And, you know, it's in Philly. I think it's gonna be exciting. And I've always said, if somebody ever wanted me to throw and I can throw, I would always do it. So I'm looking forward to it. ... If I'm in it, I'm trying to win it."
Ebel has a history of pitching in Home Run Derbies, having done so successfully four times before. He previously pitched for Vladimir Guerrero Sr. in his 2007 victory and for Teoscar Hernández in 2024. Ebel also assisted in last year's All-Star Game "swing-off," where he helped the National League win a tie-breaker that included three home runs from Harper's teammate Kyle Schwarber.
Harper, a two-time MVP, won the Home Run Derby in 2018 at Nationals Park in Washington, with his father pitching to him. However, his father has not thrown in several years, leading Harper to seek a new pitcher.
Ebel and Harper's connection solidified this past spring when Ebel coached Harper and Schwarber on the World Baseball Classic's Team USA squad. "I got to throw to him every day, Group 1, him and Schwarber and the rest of the guys," Ebel explained. "That's where it all kind of came about."
Their ties extend back to Ebel's family's offseason home in Las Vegas, which overlapped with Harper's rise as a teenage prospect. Ebel recalls watching Harper's high school games and also throwing batting practice at the same training center Harper frequented before his professional career.
Ebel sought and received approval from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts before accepting Harper's offer, ensuring no conflict with the Dodgers' own team plans. After confirming no Dodgers players were participating, Ebel agreed to pitch, and Harper responded with enthusiasm, saying, "Let's win it. Let's get it."
Harper enters this year's Derby with 20 home runs and a .501 slugging percentage for the season. Ebel plans to throw batting practice before the event and work with Harper to find his preferred hitting zone. "He's got a lot of power going to the opposite field. And especially in Philly, he knows that park better than anybody," Ebel noted.