⚾ Raleigh Beats Rooker by Razor-Thin Margin
Cal Raleigh delivered one of the most dramatic moments in Raleigh vs Rooker Derby history by narrowly edging out Brent Rooker in the opening round of the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby. Their thrilling showdown at Truist Park ended with both players hitting 17 home runs, forcing a rare and razor-thin tiebreaker.
📏 Tiebreaker Decided by Longest Home Run
According to the Derby rules, when players tie in home runs during the first round, the one with the longest single home run advances. Initially, it seemed like Raleigh and Rooker had tied again, with both recording 471-foot blasts.
🧠 Statcast Reveals Microscopic Difference
However, deeper Statcast analysis revealed the true numbers. Raleigh’s longest homer reached 470.62 feet, while Rooker’s came in at 470.54 feet. As a result, Raleigh moved on by just 0.08 feet—or 0.96 inches. This minuscule gap made the difference in a competition usually dominated by massive swings.
💬 “You can’t get any closer than that,” said one amazed broadcaster. “It’s basically the width of a baseball.”
📊 Quick Summary of the Round
- Venue: Truist Park, Atlanta
- Event: 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby
- Matchup: Cal Raleigh vs Brent Rooker
- Home Runs: 17 each
- Tiebreaker Rule: Longest homer wins
- Result: Raleigh advanced with a 470.62-foot homer vs Rooker’s 470.54-foot shot
🌟 Why This Derby Moment Stands Out
This tiebreaker instantly became one of the most unforgettable finishes in Derby history. While most fans come to see towering blasts, this round reminded everyone how much precision also matters. Ultimately, Raleigh’s consistency—and that tiny extra bit of distance—earned him a spot in the semifinals.
🚀 Raleigh Advances to Semifinals
Raleigh, the current MLB home run leader with 38 dingers this season, now enters the next round with momentum and confidence. Given how close this first round was, he’ll likely bring more power and focus to the semifinals. Raleigh vs Rooker Derby.
❓ FAQs
Who hit more home runs—Cal Raleigh or Brent Rooker?
They both hit 17 home runs in the first round. Raleigh advanced by hitting a slightly longer home run.
How did MLB break the tie between Raleigh and Rooker?
MLB used the longest home run to break the tie. Raleigh’s 470.62-foot homer beat Rooker’s 470.54-foot shot.
Has a Home Run Derby ever been this close?
This is likely the closest margin of victory in Derby history—just 0.96 inches separated the two sluggers.
