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Derby Disasters: 19 Players Hit Zero Homers
12 Jul
Summary
- 19 players failed to hit any home runs in the event.
- The 1990 derby saw eight players combine for only five home runs.
- Power hitters like Ken Griffey Jr. and Jim Thome are on the list.
The Home Run Derby, a showcase of baseball's top sluggers, has a history of underwhelming performances. As of July 2026, a total of 19 players have failed to hit even one home run during the competition. This list includes several distinguished power hitters.
Remarkably, players like Ken Griffey Jr. and Jim Thome, who amassed over 600 career home runs, are on the list of derby participants who failed to hit deep. Gary Sheffield, a member of the 500-home run club, and Mike Piazza, who hit at least 400 career homers, also experienced this ignominious distinction.
The 1990 Home Run Derby stands out as particularly poor, with eight players combining for a mere five home runs. Ryne Sandberg of the Cubs won that year's event with just three home runs. Factors like windy conditions at Wrigley Field contributed to the low scores, with Mark McGwire being the only American League player to hit a homer.
Even players like Mike Piazza struggled, failing to homer in consecutive derby appearances despite strong regular-season power. This historical data highlights that success in the Home Run Derby is not guaranteed, even for the sport's most prolific home run hitters.
