MLB's annual All-Star Home Run Derby is one of the most popular highlights of baseball season, and Monday night's event was no exception. If you didn't watch the Derby, you probably still know that the big winner was Prince Fielder of the Detroit Tigers, who beat out the Toronto Blue Jays' Jose Bautista in the championship round to become one of just two players to win the Derby more than once (the other is Ken Griffey, Jr.).
But here's what you didn't know - the 2012 Derby raised $615,000 for charity, including $440,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). With Fielder leading the way with eight bombs into the right-field fountain, the eight participating All-Stars launched a total of 82 home runs throughout the competition. 16 of those 82 were State Farm Farm Gold Balls, each racking up $18,000 in donations from State Farm and MLB to the BGCA. State Farm also gave $3,000 for each non-Gold Ball in their effort to "help neighborhoods across the country 'get to a better state."
"The State Farm Home Run Derby showcases awe-inspiring athleticism while generating support for great charitable causes," commented State Farm marketing analyst Justin Reckamp. "State Farm is extremely proud to sponsor MLB and the Home Run Derby. It's a wonderful event and helps us show exactly what it means to help our neighborhoods 'get to a better state."
Plus, because the American League defeated the National League in the team competition, State Farm and MLB donated $150,000 to team captain Robinson Cano's charity of choice, the RC24 Foundation. For his losing effort, they also donated $25,000 to National League captain Matt Kemp's charity of choice, the LA Dream Center.
Jim Clark, CEO and President of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, was on hand to accept the donations and offer thanks.
"State Farm and Major League Baseball continue to be two of the strongest advocates for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and we're so thankful for both of their support," he said. "In addition to the critical monetary support they provide, the once-in-a-lifetime experiences afforded the young people we serve are unforgettable. We can't thank them enough for all they do."
TV Schedule
Tune in to the 83rd annual All-Star game tonight at 7:30 ET in Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium. Coverage provided by Fox.
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