Fielder falls to local hero Frazier in Derby

CINCINNATI -- Prince Fielder took his swings at a third Home Run Derby title with a simple philosophy.

"Once you get in [the box], swing til you can't," the Rangers' slugger said before Monday night's Gillette Home Run Derby presented by Head & Shoulders.

He took his hacks and put on a show, hitting 13 home runs in just over four minutes, topped by only one player in the opening round.

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:: Complete Home Run Derby coverage ::Unfortunately for Fielder, while the timed format was friendly to him, the bracket format was not. He was matched up against Reds slugger Todd Frazier in Frazier's home park. Fielder was eliminated and Frazier went on to win the event.

It wasn't for lack of power. Not only did Fielder put on a show of quantity in his sixth Derby appearance, but his home runs were quality, including an estimated 474-foot blast.

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Once Fielder got into double digits, he passed David Ortiz and Ken Griffey Jr. for the career Home Run Derby lead. He took a timeout, at which point his son, Jadyn, walked up with a roll of cotton candy for him to take a bite of, then he finished up to push his career total to 81.

Video: HRD Rd 1: Prince powers up with cotton candy

It looked like a total that would be good enough for Fielder to advance, until Frazier followed and heated up after a minute. After one home run in his first seven swings, Frazier went on a tear, eliminating Fielder's chances of matching Griffey with a third Derby title.

In the end, the bracket format made a difference, even if the timing rules did not.

Video: Prince Fielder talks to Heidi Watney on MLB Tonight"All these guys are so talented, I don't think it matters," Fielder said beforehand. "It just depends on who hits the most."

Most important to him, though, was that his sons, Jadyn and Haven, were able to watch him swing again. He has consistently said over the years that he does this for his kids because they like it so much. After a year away due to neck surgery, it was fun for them all to be back.

"It feels good to bring them here, because now they believe I play baseball again," he said. "It's pretty good."