The legend of Yeonis Cespedes has been born on the fabled ground of Citi Field following his sensational victory at the 2013 Home Run Derby on Monday in New York.
The 27-year-old Cespedes became the first non All-Star to win the prestigious Home Run Derby crown, all thanks to a huge output in the opening salvo.
The second-year slugger recorded 17 home runs in the first round before adding six in his next turn to finish with 23 points after two rounds.
Meanwhile, National League batter Bryce Harper racked up eight homers in both first and second round to lead the National League sluggers with 16 home runs.
Cespedes sealed the deal in the final round after blasting nine more home runs to up his tally to 32 homers. On the other hand, Harper came up with another 8-homer round to finish with 24 points.
The Cuban's first-round onslaught was the highest since then Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton came through with 28 longballs in the first round of the 2008 Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium.
David Wright (5), Pedro Alvarez (6), and 2011 titlist Robinson Cano (4) and Two-time Home Run Derby champion Prince Fielder (5) all failed to advance following lackluster outing in the opening round.
Chris Davis, who already racked up 37 homers this season, only delivered 12 homers in two rounds while Rockies Michael Cuddyer (15) came two homers short of advancing to the final round.
Cespedes collected the Home Run Derby trophy and also a replica of the WWE Championship given to him by Baltimore Orioles star Adam Jones.
"This is for the champion tonight, the Home Run Derby champion," Jones said of the wrestling belt, as reported by the Washington Post. "I told anybody if they want to challenge, just bring a ref,"
The Cuban credited his victory to Cano, who picked him in the first place to be part of the American League Home Run Derby Team.
"Thanks again @RobinsonCano. Gracias," Cespedes posted on his Twitter.
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