<P> The derby was first nationally televised by ESPN in 1993 on a same - day delayed basis, with the first live telecast in 1998 . Although two hours are scheduled in programming listings for the telecast, it has rarely ever been contained to the timeslot and consistently runs three to four hours . Chris Berman has gained notoriety for his annual hosting duties on ESPN, including his catchphrase, "Back back back...Gone!". Berman starts this phrase when the ball is hit, and does not say "Gone!" until the ball lands . </P> <P> The 2008 Derby was the year's most highly rated basic cable program . </P> <P> Because of the game's TV popularity, invited players have felt pressure to participate . Notably, Ken Griffey Jr. initially quietly declined to take part in 1998, partly due to ESPN scheduling the Mariners in their late Sunday game the night before . After a discussion with ESPN's Joe Morgan and another with Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, Griffey changed his mind, and then won the Derby at Coors Field . </P> <P> In Spanish, the event is televised on Spanish language network ESPN Deportes . </P>

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