Twins second baseman Brian Dozier has never participated in a home run derby on any level, but he wasn't going to let this opportunity pass.
"I made it well aware that I was up for it and wasn't going to turn it down," Dozier said.
After a few days of uncertainty, Dozier finally received the call on Tuesday morning. The All-Star Game's host city will have a representative in Monday's Home Run Derby at Target Field.
Dozier was one of the eight players announced to participate. It's the sixth time a Twins player has been involved with the event, which started at the Metrodome in 1985.
"It's something you watch as a kid growing up and you [now] have an opportunity to do it," Dozier said. "Especially at Target Field in front of the home fans, it should be a lot of fun."
Dozier will join Athletics outfielder and defending champion Yoenis Cespedes on the AL side, along with the Blue Jays' Jose Bautista and the Orioles' Adam Jones. The NL will have the Dodgers' Yasiel Puig, the Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton, the Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki and the Reds' Todd Frazier. All are righthanded hitters.
The final two participants will be announced Thursday.
Dozier has a chance to become the second player to win the Home Run Derby in his ballpark. Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg accomplished the feat in 1990 at Wrigley Field. Dozier ranks third all-time with 21 career home runs at Target Field. He leads the team with nine homers at home this season.
