Jazz Chisholm Jr. Set for Home Run Derby with a Unique Mindset
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is gearing up for the Home Run Derby, and he’s embracing what he calls his “70%” mentality.
The Yankees, on the other hand, are primarily focused on ensuring he’s back to full health.
Following Chisholm’s announcement as the eighth finalist for Monday’s derby at Trust Park in Atlanta, Aaron Boone shared his thoughts regarding Chisholm’s earlier injuries this season. “I’m not overly concerned,” Boone chuckled. “He plays at a high level and seems to be physically fit, though he has had some setbacks this year.”
He continued, “Still, you don’t want to stand in the way of something this significant. Every player should be able to make that choice for themselves.”
In May, Chisholm dealt with oblique issues, and in June, he had to leave a game early due to groin problems. Recently, he mentioned that he had been playing through some shoulder pain but insisted it didn’t impede his performance.
Chisholm frequently referenced his “70%” approach since returning from injury. He noted, “I’m just playing without overthinking. No heavy practice for me… I’m all about having fun while keeping it light.”
Interestingly, Chisholm remarked that his stepfather, Jeron Sands, is the one who truly needs to practice for the event.
Reflecting on his childhood, Chisholm shared that he and Sands would often throw together as he dreamed of participating in the home run derby. So, upon learning about his inclusion, Sands was already in New York, ready to support him.
With their Bahamian roots, the two share countless hours of practice, which Chisholm seems to cherish. “He throws for me every year during the Bahamian derby,” he recalled. “So, it’s just another day for us.”
Chisholm also emphasized that the derby returning to his hometown is a special occasion, making it feel like a “not-a-home-run derby in paradise,” adding to the excitement.
He pointed out that he usually participates in a similar offseason derby, noting that he doesn’t overexert himself to avoid injury. “I didn’t push hard back then, so I’m just here to enjoy myself,” he said. “I might hit a few good ones while also taking care to maintain my rhythm.”
Chisholm is set to be the first Yankee in the Home Run Derby since Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez participated in 2017, and he’s eager to embrace this opportunity.
While this derby may not have the picture-perfect backdrop of players sending baseballs soaring into the ocean, Chisholm, with his natural charisma, just wants to have a good time. “I’m not stressing about it. I’m just going to go out there and do my best, because I usually perform well in the Bahamian ones,” he concluded.
