Stefen Romero Wins Mariners Alumni Home Run Derby
The late-night derby became a festive centerpiece of Seattle’s 50th-anniversary weekend and brought former players, current stars and fans together at T‑Mobile Park.
Overview
- Stefen Romero won the alumni Home Run Derby at T‑Mobile Park, topping Austin Nola with 12 homers to Nola’s 11 in the championship round on Friday.
- The competition used a two-part format with a traditional round and a jackpot round that counted some homers double, and Ichiro came one point short of advancing to the final.
- Much of the crowd stayed after the Mariners’ 2-1 loss to the Rays to watch the event while Julio Rodríguez served as DJ and the club used pyrotechnics and new lighting for a stadium spectacle.
- Romero’s post-playing work as a private coach and his steady hitting practice, including a batting cage at home and pre-final swings in the clubhouse, were credited for his strong showing.
- The derby was one element of multi-day 50th-anniversary programming that celebrated franchise history and returned former players, broadcasters and staff to the ballpark to connect with fans and family.