Brent Rooker Slams Critic for Baby-Feeding Moment at MLB Home Run Derby

In a heartwarming yet fiery moment at the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby, Oakland Athletics' slugger Brent Rooker showed the world that being a dad sometimes takes precedence over swinging for the fences. The 30-year-old was caught on camera feeding his 11-month-old daughter, Blake Eloise, a bottle while near the dugout, a tender scene that stole the spotlight amidst the power-hitting spectacle on Monday night.

Rooker smashed an impressive 17 homers but bowed out in the first round. Post-event, he graciously congratulated Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh on social media for clinching the Derby title, reflecting on the honor of living out a childhood dream. However, not everyone was cheering for his dual role as athlete and father. One critic on X questioned his decision to tend to his child during the event, suggesting he should focus solely on the game.

Never one to shy away from a comeback, Rooker fired back with a sharp retort: "Yes, it was necessary to feed my 11-month-old child her nighttime bottle at like 9:00 pm. Thank you for asking." And the crowd—well, the online crowd—went wild in his support. Fans flooded social media with praise, one calling it the "ultimate home run" to be a loving parent, while another dubbed his multitasking "Boss status."

Beyond the family moment, Rooker capped his All-Star stint with a clutch three-run homer in the seventh inning of Tuesday’s game, helping the American League rally from a 6-0 deficit. Though the National League narrowly won 7-6 in a historic swing-off tiebreaker, Rooker’s 2-for-3 performance proved he’s a force on the field—and a hero at home.

In a world obsessed with stats and scores, Rooker reminds us that some victories aren’t measured by home runs, but by the quiet, powerful acts of fatherhood.