Watch Vladimir Guerrero hit a home run in Caribbean Series derby
Vladimir Guerrero played his last big-league game so long ago, he’s eligible for the Hall of Fame next year. However, he can absolutely still lean on his incredible skills that wowed fans for years. Guerrero took the field again Wednesday for the inaugural Caribbean Series home run derby in the Dominican Republic and he didn’t disappoint:
The same beautifully violent swing that produced 449 home runs, and led to nine All-Star game appearances, the 2004 American League MVP award and a MLB home run derby victory in 2007 hasn’t changed one bit.
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The soon-to-be 41-year-old was ousted in the first round of the derby – won by former Reds minor-leaguer Felix Perez – after hitting three homers, but Guerrero told MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez that it was a thrilling night regardless:
“I had a great time tonight,” Guerrero said. “I didn’t think I was going to hit one home run, but thank God I hit three. It’s been a while since I retired, and I’m really happy.”
Now it’s time for the next generation of Guerreros are getting ready to take over MLB. Vlad Jr. is a 16-year-old prospect for the Toronto Blue Jays. The elder Vlad’s nephews Gregory, Jose and Gabriel are also working their way through the minors while Josue Guerrero is set to join them next year.
The derby was initially supposed to feature Miguel Cabrera, David Ortiz and Robinson Cano, but they had to pull out due to concerns from the MLBPA. Instead, the fans in attendance were treated to a throwback performance from one of the best and most entertaining players of his generation who could very well be Cooperstown-bound very soon.
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Israel Fehr is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr
