Yerzy qualifies for MLB High School Select Home Run Derby final

By Adam Morissette
Baseball Canada
For the second consecutive year, a Canadian has advanced to the final round of the Major League Baseball High School Select Home Run Derby after Junior National Team catcher Andrew Yerzy (Toronto, Ont.) won the qualifying round Sunday at Great American Ball park in Cincinnati.

The 17 year-old hit seven home runs in the first round and slugged three more in the second round to finish first out of eight participants.

In 2014, Junior National Team player Josh Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) finished second in the qualifying round at Target Field in Minneapolis to advance to the final round where he came runner-up to American Luken Baker.

“It’s pretty cool being (the only) Canadian and representing Canada,” said Yerzy. “I know Josh had a great time last year so I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”

Yerzy will go head-to-head during commercial breaks of the MLB Home Run Derby against Ron Washington Jr. of Missouri City, Texas who hit nine home runs Sunday..

“I’m pretty excited (for tomorrow),” said Yerzy. “I was able to get on a roll today – the ball was flying out pretty good.”

Since tomorrow’s final round will take place during the MLB event, Yerzy will have the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the biggest stars in the game, something that he’s really looking forward to.

“To see these guys on TV and now being able to meet them and watch them up close is going to be unbelievable,” he said. “It will be an experience I’ll never forget.”

The MLB Junior High School Home Run Derby will see each player try and hit as many home runs as they can during a three minute period in the first round, while they will each get 15 pitches to hit in the second round.