Netflix's Home Run Derby coverage was bad but two SF Giants legends saved it

Netflix had the rights to the Home Run Derby on Monday night and while many people were critical of the production, two SF Giants legends were there to save the day for fans even though no Giants players participated.

Barry Bonds was part of the pregame crew and Hunter Pence was involved with the broadcast of the actual derby. Both of them were involved with Netflix’s coverage of Opening Night against the New York Yankees which obviously did not go San Francisco’s way so maybe it was for the best that no Giants were competing in the Home Run Derby.

It was fitting that Bonds was there considering he was the last Giants player to compete in the Home Run Derby over 20 years ago. Bonds also had a very memorable Home Run Derby in Philadelphia back in 1996 when he went toe to toe with Mark McGwire and emerged victorious. Bonds still looks like he could step up to the plate today and jack a few home runs out of the park even at the age of 61.

The Home Run King also shared the story of when he charged the mound in Philly after he was intentionally drilled by a pitch. Bonds went 4-for-4 on the day, stole a base when the Giants were up big, and Ricky Bottalico hit him with a fastball and Bonds went out to the mound and tackled him.

Bonds was nice enough to give Giants second baseman Luis Arraez a shoutout on the pregame show and compared him to Tony Gwynn which is high praise coming from Barry. He was also genuinely kind to St. Louis Cardinals slugger Jordan Walker after he won the derby and gave him his props, saying it was the greatest Home Run Derby he ever saw. It certainly was dramatic with Walker taking down the hometown favorite Kyle Schwarber.

Hunter Pence brought his usual energy to the Home Run Derby

Hunter Pence was also in rare form during the event. He was basically the only one of the announcers actually providing energy and getting into it with the home run calls. While not everyone loved Chris Berman’s calls of past Home Run Derbys at least the guy would get excited about it.

Pence showed he was a man of the people before the event by heading into a concession stand and making some sort of ice cream concoction for fans. In an alternate reality it’s very easy to see Pence driving an ice cream truck around or opening an ice cream shop. He just has the sort of youthful exuberance that lends itself to a job like that.

In all, both Pence and Bonds made things tolerable for Giants fans who watched the event. The Giants haven’t had a Home Run Derby participant in so long but maybe that will change soon with Bryce Eldridge emerging and the chance that the All-Star Game could be held in San Francisco in the near future.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow