Oak Ridge's Luken Baker blasts his way to Junior Derby title

Oak Ridge High School senior, Luken Baker, claimed the crown to the Junior Derby last night at the Major League Baseball All-Star festivities at Target Field in Minneapolis. Baker beat out Josh Naylor from Mississauga, Ontario, bashing seven home runs to Naylor’s four.

"I've always been focused on hitting line drives and keeping a good swing," Baker said. "I just sort of tweaked my swing for this, but it was worth it."

At one point over the two-round contest, the TCU commit hit three bombs in a row, as he settled into a rhythm and never looked back.

"The nerves went away after the first one," Baker said. "Just going out there in front of all the people, it was a little nerve-wracking. But once you get the first one out of the way, it's any other BP in front of 55,000 people."

As great a show as Baker put on at the plate Monday night, the 6’4, 240 pound righty may be an even better pitcher, and called to showcase those skills for Oak Ridge.

"I'm thinking I might be more of a pitcher going into the Draft," he said. "But anything works."

However for one night, Baker got to live the high life. He got to meet the Major League All-Stars, take batting practice in front of them, and put on a show no one will forget anytime soon.

"The best BP of my life," Baker said.

Quotes provided by MLB.com