Wind Dampens The Power For Futures Game BP

CLEVELAND — Five years later, anyone who saw the 2014 Futures Game batting practice still talks about Rangers slugger Joey Gallo’s power display. Gallo reached parts of Minnesota’s Target Field that seem unreachable—he busted a windshield of a truck parked far from home plate.

The year before that, Astros shortstop Carlos Correa showed off his power with a series of long home runs that matched anyone.

And just last year, Mets first baseman Pete Alonso gave a sneak peek of what he is now doing in the major leagues, showing massive raw power in batting practice before taking that same power into the game.

It’s a safe bet that this year’s Futures Game batting practice will not be talked about in years to come.

With the wind strongly blowing in from center field Sunday afternoon, clearing the fence at Progressive Field was hard. Hitting the ball to the far reaches of the second and third decks proved impossible.

By unofficial count, Royce Lewis, Daniel Johnson and Nolan Jones each hit five home runs. Jo Adell and Wander Franco each hit four while Taylor Trammell, Isan Diaz and Sam Huff hit three.

Diaz, Adell, Jones and Lewis were the four players who hit the ball into the bullpen area beyond center field. Lewis hit a long home run down the left field line that landed on the bridge that overlooks the left field patio.

At the Junior Home Run Derby that preceded the Futures Game batting practice, metal bats helped the hitters reach heights the pros couldn’t. Nolan McLean managed to hit a home run off the giant video board that hovers over the left field stands.

Blaze Jordan and A.J. Vukovich were the two high school players who advanced to Monday’s MLB Home Run Derby. 

Jordan put on an all-fields power show, yanking some home runs into the left field stands but also showing the ability to drive the ball to the opposite field power alley.

Jordan hit 20 home runs in two rounds (a three-minute first round and a 90-second second round). Vukovich finished with 18, topping Yohandy Morales’ 15 home runs.