McGwire's mere presence may cause the home run hitting contest next Monday to overshadow the All-Star Game on Tuesday.

"But the home run hitting contest is a choice; it's not an obligation."

After the season ended, Killebrew took part in a home run hitting contest with Jim Gentile and Roger Maris, whose 61 home runs that year broke the single-season record; Killebrew hit 20 to win the contest.

He could win a home run hitting contest - we know that from watching him every day.

Lurie was given a standing ovation between games of a Phillies doubleheader in July after he won a celebrity softball hitting contest against three of the town's professional athletes, genuinely milking the city for its affection.

Prior to the game, a home run hitting contest included Thurman Munson of the Yankees, Duffy Dyer of the Mets and Small, who won with a decisive home run over the left field fence.

It's not a home run hitting contest.

Work Yet to Be Done A home run hitting contest, in which Andre Dawson and Banks defeated Williams and Ryne Sandberg, and a practice showed that there remains work to be done.

Games were seven innings, with a home run hitting contest (a "home run derby") to decide a tie.

The bat was the prize given by the Los Angeles Evening Herald for a high school home run hitting contest they sponsored.