Come on, PCA. The Home Run Derby would be awesome
The Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong was adamant about not participating in the Home Run Derby during next week’s All-Star Game festivities.
“No, that's not for me,” he said last month. “That's a different kind of power. I don't know if I can withstand however long the timer is there. That would be a struggle.”
OK then. No Home Run Derby.
But, come on PCA. You should reconsider.
This week’s High Five looks at five reasons it’d be awesome to see Crow-Armstrong in the Home Run Derby.
5. A struggle … really?
Imagine being 23 years old and one of the world’s top athletes … and thinking the Home Run Derby would be a “struggle.”
Heading into Tuesday’s action against Minnesota he has 23 home runs, tied for seventh in the league. He’s one of the fastest players and top defenders in the league, and he’s developing into one of the top hitters.
I’m sure he could handle the dreaded timer.
4. History lesson
It’s time for Chicago to be a regular in the All-Star Game festivities. Luis Robert Jr. was in the 2023 Home Run Derby representing the White Sox, but it’s been pretty thin for Chicago teams.
Before Robert, no Cubs or White Sox player had participated in the Home Run Derby since the Cubs’ Javy Baez and Kyle Schwarber in 2018.
The previous White Sox player was Todd Frazier in 2016. Before that, White Sox fans have to go back to 2006 and Jermaine Dye.
3. Cubbie blues
When was the last time a Cubs player put in a memorable performance at the All-Star Game?
It usually peaks with a guy getting a meaningless third-inning basehit. Or a pitcher with a forgettable one-two-three inning.
Imagine the reaction with Cubbie Nation if Crow-Armstrong made some noise in the Home Run Derby. There’d be an awful lot of excitement in Wrigleyville.
2. Myth busting
There’s a theory that participating in the Home Run Derby messes up your swing and adversely affects your hitting stats the rest of the season.
Put it to rest, PCA. Cut loose and let your talent transcend the gloom.
Check in with your hitting coaches, of course, but fulfill your potential. You hit before, you’ll hit the rest of the season and — most important — you’ll be hitting for a long time on the North Side.
1. Superstardom
Crow-Armstrong already sits on the cusp of MLB stardom.
A memorable performance in the Home Run Derby — so popular, it’s envy of every professional league trying to put together a decent all-star event — could vault him into the superstar atmosphere enjoyed by few ballplayers.
PCA would flash the charismatic energy that’s made him so popular with Cubs fans. Stick around in the competition, become a crowd favorite, and who knows?
In front of a viewing audience of millions, he may just inch toward the rare air of Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.