Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Cody Bellinger revealed on Thursday he received an invitation to participate in the 2017 Home Run Derby. That ended weeks of speculation and anticipation over whether MLB would look to include the young slugger in the contest.
While the 21-year-old had previously expressed a willingness to participate in the Derby, Bellinger has yet to make a commitment. Whether or not Bellinger will do so hinges on his father’s, Clay, availability. A former Major Leaguer and World Series champion, Clay is currently a firefighter in Arizona.
Once it became apparent he was a likely candidate to receive an invitation to the Home Run Derby, Belllinger regularly said the plan would be for his father to pitch to him.
Rather than Bellinger having to field further questioning, a note was left at his locker in the visitor’s clubhouse at Petco Park, via David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
I wonder who wrote this note for @Cody_Bellinger ? pic.twitter.com/FXAVpwkNRo
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) July 1, 2017
It’s unclear if Bellinger wrote the note himself, or if there was assistance provided by one of the team’s savvy veterans.
Thus far, Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton and Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano are the only confirmed participants for the 2017 Derby. Stanton won the event in San Diego last year, and was an essential lock to defend his title in front of the hometown fans.
Bellinger enters play against the Padres leading the Dodgers and National League with 24 home runs. Should he indeed take part in the Home Run Derby, Bellinger will become the organization’s fourth representative in as many years.
Yasiel Puig (2014), Joc Pederson (2015) and Corey Seager (2016) were also rookies when they appeared in the Derby. Seager recently said he would encourage Bellinger to take advantage of the opportunity, particularly if it mean involving his father. Seager had his dad throw to him last year.
