The Home Run Derby is possibly facing its first rainout since 1988
CINCINNATI — What do the baseball gods have against this fine city?
There has been only one rainout in the history of the Home Run Derby and that was in 1988 at Riverfront Stadium — the last time the All-Star Game was held in Cincinnati.
Now Monday night’s event is facing an ominous forecast that is threatening to wash away all the work Major League Baseball did in revamping the event. Yahoo Weather is currently forecasting severe thunderstorms for the evening with possible hail. The chance of rain is listed at 80 percent.
Tuesday’s forecast for the All-Star Game also calls for rain, but only at a 30 percent chance. The All-Star Game has never been canceled, though the 1969 contest was moved to the next afternoon and others were cut short because of weather.
A quick look at Great American Ballpark on Monday (courtesy of the one and only Ozzie Guillen) doesn’t reveal a great day for baseball (or home runs):
Shortly after the starting pitchers and lineups were announced Monday, the rain really started to come down at Great American Ballpark, with tornado sirens sounding.
MLB officials say no rain plan has been decided upon. Tuesday #HRderby is not off the table. Wednesday #ASG also possible
— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) July 13, 2015
Last year’s Home Run Derby in Minneapolis started late because of rain, but fans were rewarded with a beautiful rainbow over Target Field once play resumed.
Fans in Cincinnati might only hope to be that lucky.
