Home Run Derby chain, explained: How Pete Alonso, Daddy Yankee inspired MLB's newest tradition

Author Photo

There's more at stake than the home run crown at the 2023 Home Run Derby in Seattle.

Not only will winners be presented with the beloved trophy, which features two stainless steel bats intersecting over one another.

This year, the last man standing in the competition will also receive his own personalized piece of drip: a Home Run Derby chain.

It's glistening. It's gaudy. And it's the perfect prize for one of baseball's most beloved events.

MORE: Breaking down the 2023 Home Run Derby bracket and predicting who will win

The chain, speckled with glimmering diamonds, is a sight to behold. The Mariners' logo features prominently in the center of the pendant, as does the phrase "Derby Champ" in a rather curious script.

Whoever claims the glitzy award will most certainly have to thank Mets slugger Pete Alonso. Alonso, who is seeking his third career Home Run Derby title, donned a medallion gifted to him by famed Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee after claiming his first Derby trophy in 2019. It even rotated!

When Alonso repeated as Derby champion in 2021, he rocked another chain. Adorned with streaks of gold, last year's chain was shaped like a baseball diamond. Alonso wore it proudly.

The 2022 Derby brought with it another chain, this one of the golden variety. This year's version shines a light on the franchise hosting its festivities, one that has become a crucial fabric of the Pacific Northwest sporting scene over the past few decades.

MORE: What to know about the 2023 Home Run Derby format

Alonso has to be one of the favorites in this year's competition. Regardless, whoever claims this year's title as the league's most fearsome power hitter will get a feature piece to add to their closet, too.

Author(s)
David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News.