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Josh Hamilton Politely Declines Home Run Derby

If he's not completely healthy, he's not up for it. Josh Hamilton has, once again, politely declined any invitation to participate in the annual Home Run Derby during MLB's All-Star festivities. The Texas Rangers outfielder says the timing is just now right based on how he feels.

"It's just not the right time," Hamilton said. "I haven't done it the past couple of years. I want to be healthy and the best I can be. I don't want to risk anything entertaining the fans. So I respectfully declined again. You just take one swing ... you've got to be smart about it."

Robinson Cano won the event last year and will be the captain for the American League. While there are certain to be several candidates who deserve entry, the AL will be hurting without the overall leader in the Major Leagues in home runs. Hamilton has 21 on the season for the Rangers.

Photographs by jamesbrandon, jdtornow, phlezk, flygraphix, mcdlttx, tomasland, and literalbarrage used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.