Well, Lance Berkman didn't win the home run derby last night. No worries, though. MLB.com's Alyson Footer reported that Berkman, who strongly hinted he'd bat right-handed, chose to go left-handed possibly because of Yankee Stadium's short right field fence.
I can imagine the 390-foot left field power alley probably factored in as well. Yankee Stadium is said to be a bad career choice for power hitters with "power alley" power. Whereas most MLB power alleys are no more than 375-380 feet from home plate, The House That Ruth Built's left and right field power alleys are 399 and 385 feet, respectively. The left and right field foul poles are 318 and 314. Minute Maid Parks' foul poles are 315 and 325.
When Yankee Stadium first opened 85 years ago, left and right field power alleys were 456 and 429 feet from home plate.
Keywords: Lance Berkman, Yankee Stadium
