For Jac Caglianone, The MLB Home Run Derby was more than just an event--it was a family bonding experience.
While the Kansas City Royals entered the MLB All-Star Break on a low note with a 38-59 overall record and fifth-place ranking in the AL Central, perhaps their dismal season has not completely gone to waste.
In just his second season, Jac Caglianone clubbed his way into a spot in this year's MLB Home Run Derby on Monday, slugging .461 and recording a .321 on-base percentage, 83 hits and 35 RBI. However, he would not partake in the event alone as his father, Jeff Caglianone, pitched to him on all 20 swings.
Although Jac came up short in the first round with eight home runs, the 23-year-old right fielder emphasized the pair's mutual excitement when he got the invitation to participate in the event.
“It’s something you dream about,” Jac Caglianone said, according to MLB.com. “Me and my dad, the many times we hit together, we’ve always joked about it. So for it to come to fruition is pretty sick. When I received the text [from Major League Baseball] saying they were interested in me doing it, it was an immediate yes."
Jeff had quite the history with baseball himself. Before eventually raising up his son in the sport, he played college ball at Stetson University and has served as an assistant coach at H.B. Plant High School back in the family's native Tampa.
However, Jac would have his work cut out for him after a subpar rookie season during which he batted .157 while recording 33 hits, 18 RBI and seven home runs.
"I feel like last year, I was so hyper fixated on all the negatives that I kind of dug myself a hole," he said on MLB Central. "So this year, just kind of wanted to have that optimistic mindset, let each day live and die on its own and know that each day is going to bring new challenges, new opportunities."
Besides the Home Run Derby, Caglianone has shown tremendous improvement throughout his sophomore season, delivering in the clutch during key matchups.
Most notably, he went 3-for-5 at the dish and launched two home runs during the team's 12-5 blowout victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on June 23.
Even as Kansas City will have a steep hill to climb going into the second half of the season, Caglianone won't forget how his father helped him become the rising slugger he is now.
“He’s the reason why I play,” Caglianone said. “He taught me the game. We’d wake up every morning before school and watch 'Quick Pitch' on TV.”
