Forecast of heavy rain, storms threatens Home Run Derby

CINCINNATI — The Major League Baseball Home Run Derby is under the threat of being washed out by Mother Nature.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the National Weather Service was calling for severe storms and heavy rain for the afternoon forecast, with another wave of rain scheduled to arrive Monday evening. The derby was scheduled for 8 p.m. CDT Monday at Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark.

Early predictions showed a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m., right when the event is set to begin.

Only one Home Run Derby has ever been rained out — 1988’s contest in Cincinnati’s old Riverfront Stadium. Last year’s derby was delayed for rain at Minnesota’s Target Field.

There was just a 30 percent chance of storms for Tuesday’s All-Star Game.