Ben Rice and His Father: A Power Duo Ready for the Home Run Derby

There is something magical about the Home Run Derby, but beyond the towering blasts and flashing lights, some of the most memorable moments come from the people standing on the mound. For New York Yankees slugger Ben Rice, the choice for his pitcher was simple and sentimental: his father, Dan Rice.

Father-son tandems have a storied history of success in the Derby. From the recent partnership of Cal Raleigh and his dad, Todd, to legendary winners like Bryce Harper (2018) and Robinson Cano (2011), the bond between a father and son often translates into pure power on the diamond. Now, Ben Rice is looking to keep that winning tradition alive in Philadelphia.

More Than Just Practice: The Making of a Hitter

For Ben, choosing Dan wasn’t just a gesture of love; it was a nod to the years of relentless hard work they shared. Ben revealed to MLB.com that his father has been his go-to for batting practice every single offseason.

Their training sessions weren’t about perfection or rigid instruction. Instead, Dan focused on adaptability. According to Ben, the goal was never to have a “perfect” swing, but to become a resilient hitter. Dan would intentionally throw off-balance pitches to force Ben to work through difficult situations—a strategy that proved pivotal in Ben’s development as a professional athlete.

Who is Dan Rice? From the Mound to the Court

While he is currently the wind-up behind the Yankees’ rising star, Dan Rice has a competitive athletic pedigree of his own. In the 1980s, Dan was a standout pitcher for Brown University, graduating in 1986.

Today, Dan has traded the baseball glove for legal briefs. For over 30 years, he has practiced law, specializing in employment disputes before state and federal courts. However, his most rewarding role has always been that of a father.

A Lifelong Commitment to the Game

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• Early Start: Dan began throwing balls to Ben as a toddler, using an ‘L’ screen in their backyard.
• Dedication: During Ben’s youth, Dan frequently drove over two hours from Cohasset, Massachusetts, just to find a local field for their daily swings.
• Emotional Journey: After years of support, Dan admitted to the New York Post that he was almost too scared to imagine Ben actually making it to the Major Leagues.

The Journey to the Bronx

Ben Rice’s path to the New York Yankees was anything but linear. Growing up in Cohasset, Massachusetts, he was a multi-sport athlete who initially leaned toward hockey. However, his passion for baseball—and his childhood admiration for Derek Jeter—eventually led him to the diamond.

After attending Dartmouth College, Ben faced a significant setback when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted much of his collegiate career. Despite the uncertainty, the Yankees saw his potential, paving the way for the Massachusetts-born slugger to make his mark in the Bronx.

Now, as Ben and Dan step onto the major-league field together, it’s more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of a lifelong partnership. Whether they take home the trophy or not, the connection between Ben Rice and his father is already a home run.