BOSTON — David Ortiz wasn’t happy when Jose Bautista wasn’t chosen to take part in the Home Run Derby last year.
Given a chance to rectify the situation as captain of this season’s American League squad during the annual all-star week event, the Boston Red Sox designated hitter did just that, phoning the Toronto Blue Jays slugger and offering him an invitation, which Bautista accepted.
“This year I was kind of expecting it,” Bautista said Monday morning. “I heard about a lot of the reaction last year about not even getting invited. It’s something I’m definitely excited about and thrilled and I’m going to be honoured to be a part of it.
“It’s something I’ve watched for a long time and it’s going to be fun being a part of it.”
Ortiz told Boston reporters that he also selected Red Sox teammate Adrian Gonzalez and Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano to fill out the AL derby roster.
“When I called, he was like, ‘You don’t have to say it twice.’ I knew Bautista should’ve been in it last year,” Ortiz said. “I was kind of a little upset about it, because I wanted to see Bautista hitting. I wanted everybody to know what he’s all about.”
Bautista is no stranger to home run contests, having taken part in a couple in the minor-leagues, including one against Ryan Howard in single-A. While some players fear the derby can affect their swing, Bautista has no worries about that whatsoever.
“I don’t think it’s going to mess up my swing or anything. I’ll be fine,” he said. “Hopefully I get to hit some and get a win.”
Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira was also initially chosen by Ortiz, but he declined the offer since he was not named to the AL roster for the all-star game.
“If I’m not on the team, I’m not going to go to the Home Run Derby,” Teixeira told MLB.com. “It’s just too long of a trip, and I’m going to spend those days with my family.”
