Salvy hits 28 HRs in 2021 Derby, knocked out in first round by eventual champ

© Gabriel Christus American League’s Salvador Perez, of the Kansas City Royals, hits during the first round of the MLB All Star baseball Home Run Derby, Monday, July 12, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Gabriel Christus)

DENVER, Co. (WIBW) – Salvador Perez hit the most home runs by a catcher in Home Run Derby history Monday — but it wasn’t enough to carry him to the semifinals.

Perez knocked 28 out of the park in the first round, averaging 446 feet per homer in his first-ever Derby appearance.

”I was so happy, seriously,” Perez told ESPN after his performance. “I was so happy to be here, my participation in the Home Run Derby. It was one of my dreams.”

The 2015 World Series MVP was matched with Mets first baseman and 2019 Home Run Derby champion Pete Alonso, who set a new first round record Monday.

Alonso hit 35 home runs in just 49 swings, topping the previous record of 29. It also marked the third-highest total for any round of the Derby.

After topping Perez, Alonso went on to defend his title with his second-straight Derby win.

Perez is the fourth player in Royals history to participate in the HR Derby.

Fellow Kansas City star and Royals part-owner Patrick Mahomes tweeted his congratulations Monday night.

“Dude went crazy!! @SalvadorPerez15 #TogetherRoyal,” Mahomes wrote.

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