Josh Hamilton of Texas hit 28 home runs in the elimination round to set a new record, but Minnesota's Justin Morneau of New Westminster BC beat him 5-3 in the finals of the Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium, part of Baseball`s All Star Game festivities.

Seems he's the first Canadian ever to win the elite slugging title at baseball's mid-summer showcase.  

Morneau steals show to rule Derby
Twins first baseman outslugs sizzling Hamilton in final round
By Bill Ladson / MLB.com
                                                                                
NEW YORK -- Last year, Justin Morneau participated in the State Farm Home Run Derby in San Francisco and was eliminated in the first round after hitting just four home runs.

This time, Morneau had a better showing in this year's event at Yankee Stadium on Monday night and won the trophy.

With Twins hitting coach Joe Vavra throwing to him, Morneau hit sixth in the order and advanced into the final round, where he defeated Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, 5-3. Morneau hit a total of 22 home runs during the event.

In the first round, Morneau clubbed eight home runs, which tied Astros first baseman Lance Berkman for second place. Hamilton, the last player in the order, would take the lead with a record 28 home runs in one round.

At first, Vavra had a tough time throwing strikes in the first round, and Morneau was swinging at some bad pitches. But suddenly, Morneau got hot and was able to tie Berkman in the first round.

In the second round, Morneau hit another nine home runs to go to the finals.

In the last round, with the slate clean, Morneau outslugged the heavily favored Hamilton to win the State Farm Home Run Derby trophy.

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

***JUSTIN WEARS #33 IN TRIBUTE TO HIS HERO, FORMER NHL GOALIE PATRICK ROY***