NOTRE DAME, Ind. — University of Notre Dame baseball alum Trey Mancini took part in the 2021 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby Monday night at Coors Field and the event had an Irish flair to the event thanks to his pitching coach. Trey had Irish Pitching Coach Chuck Ristano throw to him after holding a long standing promise dating back to 2012.
Getting close to dinger time. pic.twitter.com/VfpeylK3sK
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 12, 2021
After Trey won the BIG EAST Home Run Derby in 2012 and Ristano was on the mound, he said he would have him come along if the chance ever presented itself for the MLB Home Run Derby. That time came this season and Ristano was thrilled when Trey offered him the opportunity.
.@TreyMancini owned the spotlight. pic.twitter.com/sWD5RJQ9oI
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 13, 2021
In the first round of the Derby, six-seed Mancini hit 24 home runs and beat the three-seed Matt Olson of the Athletics by one home run to advance to the semifinals.
#TreyMancini and the great Chuck Ristano (@cristano34) putting on a show in the #HRDerby !@NDBaseball, what’s good
— Mike Monaco (@MikeMonaco_) July 13, 2021
Looks like @cristano34 was making a few friends during the break!
Hope to see you at a game next year @davidortiz and Peyton!#HRDerby x #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/uBSRg8LvvN
— Notre Dame Baseball (@NDBaseball) July 13, 2021
Ristano might be the weapon of this whole damn thing
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 13, 2021
In the semifinals, Mancini hit second and knew he had to hit 13 home runs to beat the 12 put up by Story. With just about 30 seconds left in the round, Mancini crushed one to center to give him 13 in the round and advance to the finals. Mancini faced off with Pete Alonso in the finals and put up 22 home runs before Alonso edged him out with 23.
So unbelievably proud.
You just inspired a whole lot of people, @TreyMancini. pic.twitter.com/Wk3hP1ckvs
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 13, 2021
Shoutout, @TreyMancini.
An inspiration to us all. #HRDerby pic.twitter.com/wpkFfhwtTk
— MLB (@MLB) July 13, 2021
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