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Josh Hamilton was the big story at the MLB 2008 Home Run Derby. (AP Images)

That was certainly impressive.

Josh Hamilton - the Texas Rangers' All-Star who battled back from drug addiction to revive his baseball career - put on quite a show Monday night at Yankee Stadium.

Hamilton hit 28 home runs in the first round to break Bobby Abreu's old record of 24 in a single round. The most impressive bit might've come during an amazing 13-swing stretch where every ball he connected with left the yard.

With his smooth left-handed swing and jaw-dropping power, Hamilton seemed a natural choice to take advantage of Yankee Stadium's short right-field porch. But he cleared the deepest fences with ease, hitting three shots farther than 500 feet - including his longest estimated at 518.

While Hamilton didn't win the overall title - that went to Minnesota Twins 1B Justin Morneau, who defeated Hamilton in the final 5-3 - he certainly put himself in Yankee Stadium lore. The capacity crowd was chanting his name during that epic first round, and his feat won't soon be forgotten.

Tonight, it's the real deal for the 2008 All-Stars as the National League (+127) takes on the American League (-147) for home field advantage in the World Series. Get all your MLB baseball betting in the Bodog Sportsbook today!