Get our free mobile app

After having the 2020 All-Star Game activities canceled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, America is ready for the mid-summer classic and the MLB's Home Run Derby! The action begins tonight at 7 pm on ESPN and features 8 sluggers ready to compete for the title of Home Run King.

The 2021 Home Run Derby

The field of 8 ready to swing for the fences tonight include Trevor Story (Colorado), Matt Olson (Oakland), Shohei Ohtani (Anaheim), Trey Mancini (Baltimore), Joey Gallo (Rangers), Juan Soto (Washington), Salvador Perez (Royals, and Pete Alonso (NY Mets).

The Man Representing Texas

When we all heard the results of the All-Star voting, it seemed like we would see more than 1 MLB athlete from Texas possibly enter the Home Run Derby. I would have tuned in to see Altuve swing the bat. However, some players have opted out of the All-Star activities altogether. This means some of the players you may have read about in the last week or so will not be going to Denver to participate. To make a long story short, Joey Gallo will be the lone Texan trying to bring the derby trophy back to the Lone Star State.

Why Gallo is a Good Bet to Win the Derby

A Texas Ranger has not won a Home Run Derby since 1993 when Juan Gonzalez emerged as the Home Run King. It's a surprise to some that Gallo has not yet participated in the competition. A 495-foot smash belonging to Gallo in 2018 has Gallo tied for 5th longest home run all-time in the statcast era. Earlier this season Gallo homered in 5 straight games.

We Want Your Home Run Derby Vote

Scroll through this year's Home Run Derby contestants below and then vote in our poll and let us know who you think will be crowned King by the end of the night.

The Rangers Joey Gallo Represents Texas in the 2021 Home Run Derby

There's mile-high action tonight in Denver as MLB presents the 2021 Home Run Derby! Meet the field of 2021 competitors who will take their hacks tonight at Coors Field.

Texas All-Stars Headed to the Mid Summer Classic

Check out the seven Texas athletes who have punched their ticket to play in Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game.

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

CHECK IT OUT: 100 sports records and the stories behind them

More From KIXS FM 108