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Andy Young impresses with 14 homers in FSL Home Run Derby

(Kris Dunn)
June 16, 2018

Andy Young showed that despite his 6'0" 190 lb. frame, he belonged with the "big boys' in the Florida State League Home Run Derby on Friday night. Young made it to the second round of the competition, blasting a total of 14 home runs. His showing follows Palm Beach Cardinals alumni's Randy Arrozarena's performance in a rain-shortened 2017 event that won him the contest. 
Heading into the All-Star Weekend, Young hit .291 in 55 games with eight homers and 23 RBIs. Young currently leads all Florida State League second basemen in home runs, OPS (.839), and slugging % (.459). 
The 2018 Home Run Derby was somewhat of a redemption chance for Young. In 2017 while playing for Class-A Peoria, he was named to the derby, however the 24-year-old was called up just days before he had the chance to participate. 
"It was a blast, I missed last years one, so it was fun to actually be able to take part in this one." Young told Scrum Sports' Kris Dunn. 
Before stepping up to the plate, Young and Palm Beach Manager Dann Bilardello conspiried on a plan that they thought would help the infielder's chances. 
"(Billardello) and I...we were talking a little strategy in the cage and we were talking this place plays really well to right field and to left center was kind of dying in my first round, so after that, we shifted the approach to right down the line."
In the end, Young put up a great effort that saw him fall just short of reaching the final round. Still, it seemed as if the West Fargo, North Dakota native enjoyed the experience. 
"It's awesome, you saw the support of the teammates in (Evan Kruczynski) and (Will Latcham) coming up with towels and giving me words of advice, they're having a blast. It was a lot of fun to see that, great energy too. 
Young is one of six Palm Beach Cardinals players who made the trip to Tampa for the All-Star Game. The midsummer classic will take place Saturday night at 6:30 PM.