Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman put on a dazzling display of switch-hitting prowess in the 2023 Home Run Derby, hitting 27 home runs from both sides of the plate but falling short of advancing to the second round.
Rutschman, who grew up attending Mariners games in Seattle, had his father Randy as his pitcher for the event. He hit 20 home runs left-handed during the three-minute regulation period, then switched over to the right side and hit seven homers in his 30-second bonus period.
“It was a lot of fun. I just wanted to enjoy the moment and have a good time with my dad,” Rutschman said. “It was a special experience for both of us.”
Rutschman’s longest homer left-handed was a 445-foot shot that reached the third level of right field at T-Mobile Park. He took eight swings from the right side and hit seven home runs, earning a standing ovation from the crowd.
“I was just trying to hit the ball hard and get it in the air,” Rutschman said. “I didn’t really have a strategy, I just wanted to put on a show for the fans.”
Rutschman added a new wrinkle to the Home Run Derby as a switch hitter, something that has rarely been done in the event’s history. He showcased his power from both sides of the plate, which has helped him emerge as one of the game’s best players and the face of Baltimore’s rebuild.
In his two seasons in the majors, Rutschman has hit a total of 25 homers, 13 left-handed and 12 right-handed. He has also impressed with his defense, leadership and work ethic behind the plate.
“He’s a special talent and a special person,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “He can do it all on the field and he’s a great teammate and leader off the field. He’s everything you want in a franchise player.”
Despite Rutschman’s impressive performance, he was eliminated by Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., who hit 28 homers in the first round. Robert Jr. went on to win the Home Run Derby, defeating San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. in the final.
