Home Run Derby viewership soars as clock revives once-slumbering event

Sometimes, change is good, and sometimes it's scary. But sometimes, change is spectacular.

I just wanted to thank the fans for the support you gave me last night. Still can't believe we did it. - Cincinnati Reds' Todd Frazier

The eventual 2015 Home Run Derby champion, Frazier took the crown thanks to the new 30-second bonus round - one of many alterations tailored to the new format.

From the get-go, there was skepticism as to whether the new rules would be a hit. The league nixed the "outs", and instead implemented a four-minute clock. Batters were forced to swing for the fences, and swing harder if they wanted bonus time.

When all was said and done, the numbers following the Derby did the talking. Monday's event was the most-viewed since 2009, with 7.1 million people tuning in - up 32 percent from the 2014 Home Run Derby.

Not only that, but it was hard to find anyone involved with the Derby who didn't think it was a resounding success.

You didn't necessarily have to worry about making an out, you could try to hit a homer and if you made an out it wasn't that important, you're just kind of against the clock and I think that made it a better situation for the guys participating in it, and overall I just think it was better. - Toronto Blue Jays' Josh Donaldson

The best part about it, though, was that the Home Run Derby came within a few raindrops of getting moved to Tuesday, or potentially cancelled altogether. Ironically, the Derby was rained out in Cincinnati in 1988 - the only time the event has ever been cancelled.

At the time, it wasn't a big deal. Frankly, it probably wouldn't have been a big deal this year, either - because we didn't know any better.

The old format of long homers was fun, but the elephant in the room was its length. Now, it's high-octane for players, and stressful for fans.

But really, it's only about the fans, and unless you're watching it live, it was difficult to stay awake for four, or maybe five hours, to see the trophy raised.

The clock made a difference, more intensity. - Texas Rangers' Prince Fielder

Sure, it needs some tweaks, but for an inaugural event to be so successful is surreal. Some of that credit goes to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, tasked with reviving an age-old sport that some would classify as dormant.

Some of that credit also goes to the players, who bought in by swinging, swinging, and swinging some more. Like children racing for the finish line, Derby participants didn't have time to think.

In changing up the rules of the Home Run Derby, the goal was also altered. Players are no longer trying to hit more homers than their opponents. Instead, they're trying to out-swing the clock.

Maybe baseball doesn't need change. The Home Run Derby on the other hand, couldn't have returned from the dead without it.