Yankees' Ben Rice posts heartwarming clip with dad to announce Home Run Derby berth

The New York Yankees, despite a frustrating (to say the least) recent skid, will still send (at least) four representatives to the All-Star festivities in Philadelphia. Fueling hope for the future, two of them are in-system breakouts: Cam Schlittler on the bump, and Ben Rice at first base.

On Tuesday, Rice's first All-Star journey got even brighter; less than 24 hours after socking his 25th home run of the year against the Rays and providing hope that his without-Aaron-Judge slump is close to completion, he announced that he'll be participating in the 2026 Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park.

If you've briefly forgotten what baseball's really all about, check out what Rice just posted to announce his participation in the event — with his dad, former Brown University pitcher Dan Rice, on the mound (of course).

A heartwarming hero narrative is what usually fuels the Derby to its highest heights, and if America can get over its anti-Yankee biases (for one night only!), this one could be something special.

Who will Yankees' Ben Rice be competing against in Home Run Derby field?

It's a shockingly sparse field — and no other participant will have the baked in advantage of Dan Rice.

So far, the only other confirmed participant is Tampa Bay Rays slugger Junior Caminero (ah sh-t), and Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci recently revealed that Philadelphia Phillies stalwart Kyle Schwarber is in as well, as long as his back holds up. For the sake of the event and the city's hype train, we really hope that it does. Bryce Harper, an All-Star legend pick courtesy of the commissioner, should definitely join (and re-live the time his father pitched to him and he won it in Washington), but we'll see if he comes around in the coming days.

Obviously, every Yankee fan is cognizant of the persistent injury fears surrounding participation in the Derby — Aaron Judge gave us all a thrill in 2017, but definitely watched his shoulder deteriorate in the process. By and large, though, players know how to manage themselves and their health, and ditching the clock this year/going back to a set number of pitches (20 in the first, 15 in the second) will probably help limit duress.

Plus ... Rice's dad will be looking out for him. Don't worry, fans. He's in good hands.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow