This year's Major League Baseball Home Run Derby, scheduled to stream on Netflix, is poised to be one of the most viewed in its history, according to Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo. The event, set to take place in Philadelphia, is expected to draw significant attention, including from fans who may not regularly follow baseball.
"What they're doing to our sport, getting basically worldwide recognition. Fans that maybe aren't interested in baseball see that it's on Netflix and think, ‘Hey, I'm gonna watch this,’" Rizzo told Fox News Digital. "So, we have a really good opportunity to bring baseball to viewers that don't necessarily see it on a daily basis."
Rizzo, who is serving as a Netflix analyst for the event, expressed excitement about the lineup of participants, which includes prominent players like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Junior Caminero, and Ben Rice. He anticipates a high-caliber competition, noting that while the atmosphere is relaxed before the event begins, players become intensely competitive once they step onto the field.
"When you get between the lines, it's all fun and games until the game starts. It's still relaxed and fun, but when you're in the box or on defense, it's very competitive," Rizzo explained. "You want to take the guy deep, you want to get a hit, you want to showcase your All-Star talent on the national stage."
He also commented on the physical and mental demands of the Derby. "I've done the Derby myself, and I was sore for a week afterward just because of how hard I was swinging," Rizzo said. "So, you've really got to assess where you're at physically and mentally. It's mentally grueling, too. The magnitude and the emotion that go into the Derby and the All-Star Game are intense, and then two days later you're back playing. So, you've just got to know yourself."
Despite the challenges, Rizzo believes the allure of winning substantial prize money, potentially seven figures, increases the incentive for top players to participate. He also highlighted the opportunity for young players to gain national exposure.
Rizzo described Philadelphia as a city that is currently "on fire," referencing the Philadelphia Phillies' strong season and the city's role in upcoming national celebrations, including America's 250th birthday and the World Cup. "It's America's 250th birthday, the World Cup is coming, and everything's going right right now. Philly, the Home Run Derby there, the All-Star Game, I would imagine the city's going to be rocking," he stated.
The Home Run Derby is scheduled to feature several of baseball's top sluggers competing for the title. The shift to Netflix for streaming aims to expand the event's reach to a broader audience. The MLB All-Star festivities are often seen as a unique showcase in professional sports, maintaining a high level of competition even in exhibition formats. Players are recognized for their performance throughout the first half of the season, celebrating their achievements with peers. The intensity of the Derby, coupled with its timing just before the resumption of the regular season, presents a distinct challenge for participants. Anthony Rizzo, a participant in past Derbies, emphasized the dedication required to earn an All-Star selection, which involves consistent high performance beyond simply hitting home runs and maintaining a strong batting average.