But this year, the Texas Rangers slugger is declining a chance at an encore performance.
Hamilton, who belted a record 28 dingers in the first round of the derby at Yankee Stadium two years ago, told Dallas radio station ESPN 103.3 FM on Tuesday that he’s not going to participate at this year’s Home Run Derby in Anaheim.
"I ain't going to mess with it this year if I get voted in," Hamilton told ESPN radio.
Hamilton is currently tied with Chicago’s Paul Konerko for third in the AL with 17 homers, as well as being third in RBIs (53) and fourth in batting average (.339).
But after his power numbers dropped dramatically in the second half of the 2008 season — he hit just 11 home runs after the All-Star break compared to 21 before — Hamilton doesn’t want to risk losing his stroke while his Rangers are in a tight AL West race.
"I feel like, 'Why mess up a good thing?'" Hamilton added. "I've got nothing to prove. It's fun. I would like to do it, but you've got to think about the whole season and the club."
The Rangers are 42-28 and have a 3.5 game lead in the division over the Angels heading into play Wednesday.
