According to the New York Times, viewership of the annual MLB All-Star Game is dwindling. However, the ratings for the All-Star Weekend's Home Run Derby are actually on the rise. Whether it's the inflated coverage of the regular season or the lack of passion or pride regarding the National and American Leagues since the advent of interleague play, people just aren't tuning in to see the game like they used to. But folks are still down to see some power hitters jack balls into deep left center, like repeat champion Yoenis Cespedes, who joins Ken Griffey, Jr. as the only other person ever to win the Derby 2 years in a row.
Though the event was dominated by Cespedes, Giancarlo Stanton said he really benefited from the Derby by being able to dial in his swing to perfection. And as everyone knows, confidence in the batter's box is worth its weight in gold (via Fansided):
"Having to lock in for the Derby made me feel better. I wasn't myself the last couple of weeks. The short time off and the Derby kind of helped me out. I think it will be all right...
"...I had to lock in. I had to get my swing in the perfect groove."
Though the Home Run Derby is exciting enough to hold Americans' attention year after year, it's not immune to the so-called evolution of broadcasting (via New York Times):
"It has also become a bloated form of entertainment in the hands of ESPN, with the incessant 'back-back-backs' of Chris Berman and the presence of so many correspondents that you'd think the network was covering an invasion. But it works because it is comfort food - dozens of home runs are swatted in a few hours; cameras are positioned close to the players; you can hear them speak and see how much fun they're having."
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