From Backyard Dreams to the Home Run Derby 2026
For years, the rhythm of Ben Rice’s career was set by a simple, unwavering routine. Across the chain-link fences of Massachusetts, his father, Dan Rice, would arrive with a bucket of baseballs and a dream. Standing exactly 60 feet and 6 inches apart, the duo spent countless hours refining swings and building a bond that transcends the game of baseball.
Now, that lifelong partnership is heading to the grandest stage of all. Ben Rice has officially accepted the invitation to represent the New York Yankees in the highly anticipated Home Run Derby 2026. This isn’t just another batting practice session; it’s the culmination of a father-son journey that began decades ago.
The Secret Behind the Power: Fatherly Guidance
Dan Rice, a former pitcher for Brown University in the 1980s, didn’t focus on the technical minutiae of a “perfect” swing. Instead, he challenged Ben to be a complete hitter. By throwing off-balance pitches and simulating high-pressure game situations, Dan prepared his son for the unpredictability of the Major Leagues.
“He wanted me to become a good hitter, not necessarily to have a great swing. That was huge in my development,” Rice shared with MLB.com.
A Rising Star in Pinstripes
Ben Rice has quickly become a powerhouse in the Yankees’ lineup. The 27-year-old has already left his mark on the league with impressive statistics:
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- Season Power: Leading the team with 25 home runs heading into the mid-season stretch.
- Career Growth: 58 home runs across his first three seasons in the Majors.
- Historic Feat: Became the first Yankees rookie to hit three home runs in a single game against the Red Sox in July 2024.
Event Details: How to Watch the Home Run Derby 2026
Fans won’t want to miss a single swing of this spectacle. The event promises high energy, massive blasts, and plenty of drama.
- Date: July 13, 2026
- Time: 8 p.m. ET (Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET)
- Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
- Streaming: Live on Netflix
Chasing Yankee Legend
The New York Yankees have a storied history in the Derby, though recent results have been mixed. Ben Rice is looking to emulate the success of legendary teammates. He has already been studying video of Aaron Judge’s triumphant 2017 victory to get into the right headspace.
Rice joins an elite club of Yankees who have previously won the competition, including Tino Martinez (1997), Jason Giambi (2002), and Robinson Canó (2011). With the support of manager Aaron Boone and the guidance of his father, Rice hopes this event will serve as a springboard for a dominant second half of the season.
As he prepares to step into the batter’s box at Citizens Bank Park, Rice’s goal is simple: soak in the moment, enjoy the atmosphere, and make his family proud.
