Stefen Romero won the Mariners Alumni Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park, defeating Austin Nola in the final round after a series of home runs that secured the title.
Stefen Romero Claims Alumni Home Run Derby Title
Stefen Romero, who played in the Mexican League in 2023, took home the trophy after a high-scoring final against Austin Nola. Romero’s victory came via a “crescendo of joy,” characterized by a barrage of home runs that required no bonus round to determine the winner. Romero currently serves as a coach for a Portland-area youth team.
Austin Nola reached the final round by hitting line drives over the fence. Nola, who was a Major League player a season ago, opted to coach the Mariners’ bullpen this spring rather than sign a minor league deal.
Did you know? The event featured “DJ Pleno,” the moniker for current Mariners star Julio Rodríguez, who performed in the ‘Pen during the festivities.
Legendary Returns and Unexpected Pitchers
The derby included a wide range of former Mariners. Ichiro appeared in the event, hitting home runs into the right field seats, though he finished a single point short of advancing to the next round. Mike Cameron, now 53, also participated but came up short in his attempts.
One of the night’s most unexpected moments occurred when James Paxton, wearing jeans, stepped in to throw batting practice. Paxton managed to get a full whiff from RyOn Healy, who was the youngest participant in the field at 34 years old.
Other notable participants included:
- Bucky Jacobsen: One of three participants over 50, Jacobsen hit three home runs, including one in the “Jackpot Round” where home runs were worth double points.
- Ryan Rowland-Smith: The former pitcher and current broadcaster entered the field by tackling a stuffed crocodile and hit two buzzer-beating home runs.
Comparative Performance Overview
| Participant | Key Highlight | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Stefen Romero | High-volume home run barrage | Winner |
| Austin Nola | Consistent line drives | Runner-up |
| Ichiro | Right field power | Missed final by 1 point |
Fan Engagement and Stadium Atmosphere
T-Mobile Park utilized full pyrotechnics for every home run, complemented by new flashing lights installed on the walkway railings. Fans attended the event wearing throwback gear, including jerseys from players such as Furbush, Zunino, and Randy Johnson. Dave Valle was also spotted on the concourse during the fourth inning.
The event focused on the “camaraderie and community of baseball,” providing an opportunity for former players to perform in front of their families and children who may have missed their professional playing careers.
Pro Tip: When attending alumni events, check the stadium’s “throwback” themes. Fans at this event utilized a wide array of 2010s-era apparel to match the nostalgic atmosphere of the derby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Mariners Alumni Home Run Derby?
Stefen Romero won the title after defeating Austin Nola in the final round.
Did Ichiro participate in the derby?
Yes, Ichiro competed and hit home runs into the right field seats, though he narrowly missed advancing to the final round by one point.
Who pitched to the hitters during the event?
Notably, James Paxton trotted out in jeans to throw batting practice for some of the participants, including RyOn Healy.
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