As I stated back in 2012, “be on the look out” for Yoenis Cespedes.

Yoenis Cespedes become the first player not included in the All-Star game to win the Home Run Derby.  The Oakland A’s outfielder beat Bryce Harper 9-8 in the final round with five swings to spare.

Cespedes is originally from Cuba and is playing in his second season in the majors. Even though he was not selected in the All Star game, he hit 17 home runs in the first round.  More than any other player on their first two trips up at bat.

The 27-year-old Cespedes has struggled as a sophomore in the Majors, batting only .225 with 15 home runs, but hardly anyone in the game doubts his ability.

“I felt that I was getting into a very good rhythm, and that as long as the ball was right over the plate, I felt like I was in a good groove, that was the key. This trophy will motivate me so that things continue to go well for me, and I just want to thank the people that believed in me, that thought I could play at this level.  Baseball in the US, it’s far different from in Cuba. There might be two people at our games. There’s only one photographer, and this is completely different and foreign to me. But I’m very happy to be here.” Cespedes said through a translator.

Congratulations to Yoenis Cespedes