"We're proud to announce the creation of the 'Base Hit Derby,'" Selig said. "We look forward to showing the world our game's best hitters, who it just so happens, are unable to hit the ball over the fence."
Selig added, "We think the event will take off because the average fan can relate to singles hitters. Based on our research the average fan has accepted the fact that they cannot hit a home run, but still believe they could hit a single in a major league game."
Just as in the Home Run Derby, hitters will be given ten outs. They will attempt to get as many base hits as they can before recording their tenth out. Outs will include home runs, foul balls, or any other hits that are estimated to have gone for extra bases.
Although Selig has remained unwilling to unveil his targets for next year's Base Hit Derby, it's expected that Mariners RF Ichiro Suzuki will be the main person of interest. Suzuki is the current MLB leader with 111 hits this season.
"I wouldn't be against it," Suzuki said with a smile. "Will infield hits be counted?"
Other possible participants could include White Sox outfielder Juan Pierre, Twins outfielder Denard Span, and Rangers shortstop Elvin Andrus.
"I just wish the event was around 20 or 30 years ago," die-hard fan Mark Munson, 62, of Tempe said. "There's nothing I would have loved more than to see Pete Rose or Tony Gwynn hit a few up the middle."
"The Base Hit Derby is really cutting edge," Selig said. "Just two years ago we saw Josh Hamilton crush 28 home runs. Now in 2010 we could see Ichiro hit 50 or 60 singles."
"Time won't be an issue," Selig continued. "Fans are used to three or four hour games. Which is about how long this event will take, probably longer."
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