<P> Because of the game 's TV popularity , invited players have felt pressure to participate . Notably , Ken Griffey Jr. initially quietly declined to take part in 1998 , partly due to ESPN scheduling the Mariners in their late Sunday game the night before . After a discussion with ESPN 's Joe Morgan and another with Hall of Famer Frank Robinson , Griffey changed his mind , and then won the Derby at Coors Field . </P>
<P> Because of the game 's TV popularity , invited players have felt pressure to participate . Notably , Ken Griffey Jr. initially quietly declined to take part in 1998 , partly due to ESPN scheduling the Mariners in their late Sunday game the night before . After a discussion with ESPN 's Joe Morgan and another with Hall of Famer Frank Robinson , Griffey changed his mind , and then won the Derby at Coors Field . </P>
when did ken griffey jr won the homerun derby
when did ken griffey jr won the homerun derby
1998
1998