Bobby Witt Jr. Near Victory and Family Celebration at the Home Run Derby

In a dramatic finish, Bobby Witt Jr. fell just inches short of victory in the final round of the short Derby. The thrilling conclusion showcased his incredible talent and left fans on the edge of their seats as he narrowly missed claiming the top spot.

Jayce Russell’s Special Day

On Monday, Jayce Russell celebrated his 3rd birthday as a happy, healthy boy with only mild swallowing issues. Surrounded by a large crowd of family and friends, he cheered for Uncle Junior, whom he calls the GOAT.

Bobby Witt Jr.’s Home Run Derby

Bobby Witt Jr. participated in a three-hour competition at Globe Life Field, where he smashed one final pitch high into the sky off his brother-in-law, Russell. This Home Run Derby was part of Witt’s family-focused homecoming to Dallas Fort Worth as a first-time All-Star.

Near Miss in the Final Round

The ball hit the outfield wall in deep left-center with a thud and fell to the warning track. Witt lost to Teoscar Hernández 14-13 in a dramatic final, disappointing his hometown crowd.

Despite this, Bobby Witt Jr. and Russell remained cheerful, celebrating their new chapter in the family’s baseball history as runners-up in the 2024 T-Mobile Home Run Derby.

Family Bonding

“Having a Texas-sized crowd and sharing the experience with my family and brother-in-law was a lot of fun,” Witt said. “Teoscar put on a great show, and it was awesome to be out there with everyone. It’s a feeling you don’t get often.”

Jayce Russell’s Enthusiasm

“He’s pumped,” said Russell. “He’s Bobby Jr.’s biggest fan. We watch almost every game, and as soon as he sees Junior, he jumps up and cheers: ‘Bobby! Uncle Junior fell short at the Derby!’ It’s amazing and always lights up my eyes.”

Homecoming for Witt

That kind of family bonding was exactly why Witt was so determined to make his first All-Star team here. He’s been quietly savoring the memories he’s creating at home in Arlington, just minutes south of where he attended high school in Colleyville.

Early Success

Before the actual game began, Witt came close to a bigger triumph, making for a Texas-sized homecoming. Adolis García, Marcell Ozuna, Gunnar Henderson, and Pete Alonso were out in the first round. Witt advanced by beating José Ramírez 17-12 while Hernández won a swing-off against Alec Bohm 16-15.

Nearly Making History

The 24-year-old Witt came close to becoming the first Home Run Derby champion for the Kansas City Royals, a feat that eluded Bo Jackson in 1989, Danny Tartabull in 1991, Mike Moustakas in 2017, and Salvador Perez in 2021. Witt was a strong contender who nearly fulfilled high expectations.

Future Opportunities

Witt signed an 11-year extension to stay with the Royals five months ago, so he might still get a chance to win the Derby. His 16 first-half homers and past success in the 2018 High School Home Run Derby showcased his top five-tool talent.

Family Support

Not bad for the kid who used to follow Russell around on Family Day when Russell was with the Braves in 2014. Back in 2016, Russell pointed out Witt to his teammates as a promising talent, calling him “pretty good.”

Cherishing Family Moments

“It means everything,” Russell said. “Family is the most important thing to us. We’re lucky to have such a special branch in our family. It’s amazing to see everyone going wild in the stands and cheering for us.”