New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. handled the backlash from his disappointing Home Run Derby performance with class and humor. After mustering just three homers, placing him dead last among eight participantsm critics on social media dubbed it a “Flyout Derby” as fans snickered at his groundouts and pop-ups.
But instead of sulkimg, Chisholm remained upbeat, admitting, “You can’t ask for a better feeling. I’m still an All-Star. I still hit in the Home Run Derby. Who could ask for a better experience than that?”. Rather than crumble under pressure, Chisholm chose to lean into the moment, smiling, joking, and refusin to let the critics overshadow his pride in participating.
Chisholm, a resilient mindset
Chisholm, a first-time Derby participant and two-time All-Star, approeached the event with a lighthearted “70% effort” mentality and an aim to enjoy the experience. Despite a mid-season oblique strain, he saw the Derby as an opportunity to test his swing and stay loose, an approach that helped him stay positive through a tough night at the plate.
Even as social media roasted him, he wasn’t discouraged. “I hit a fly ball to the infield or something like that…and I smiled to myself. I was like, “Dang, we’re actually doing this right now”, he reflected with pride. Post-Derby, he laughed it off, stating that he “had a lot of fun. I enjoyed every second of it”.
Jazz focuses on Yankees and MLB season
While Chisholm’s Derby stats, 3 homers, 24 GIDP, and 17 pop-outs, weren’t ideal, he earned a teachable moment for the seconf half of the season. During his round, he even took advice from fellow stars like Aaron Judge and Max Fried, whoe reminded him that his swing remained solid despite the result.
He acknowledged that the experience could fuel future success, “I want to swing in the Derby again one day”, he declared. His mature attitude and confidence show he’s not letting one night define him.
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