Buffalo's Leonard outduels OJ in swing-off for Derby crown

Leonard goes deep on first pitch of swing-off for the title

Buffalo Blue Cheese outfielder A.J. Leonard won the season 9 Home Run Derby in dramatic fashion and he beat a two-time Home Run Derby champion to do it.

After two rounds, this year's Home Run Derby came down to Seattle's Osvaldo Johnson and Leonard, who led Johnson in home runs after two rounds, 25 to 20. In the final round, OJ set the bar first with five home runs. Leonard got off to a hot start in the final round, hitting three home runs on the first three pitches he saw but he cooled quickly, hitting into outs on his next seven. He eventually managed to tie OJ's five home runs, sending the final round of the Home Run Derby into a swing off.

OJ got the first opportunity to put a crooked number on the board but could only manage a weak fly ball to center field. That's when Leonard pounced and lined a home run to center field on the first pitch he saw to seal the victory. The Derby title is the first for the second year outfielder from Buffalo.

A.J. Leonard Buffalo Blue Cheese Age: 24 B/T: S/R Born: Verona, NJ Position(s): LF/1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile