The derby was held on July 9, 2012, at the site of the 2012 MLB All-Star Game, Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

Yankees' second baseman Robinson Canó was at the center of a controversy involving booing from the live Kauffman Stadium fans.

Canó was the American League's captain for the Home Run Derby and was responsible for picking the other participants.

[2][3] However, he ultimately picked Prince Fielder, José Bautista, and Mark Trumbo (who finished in first, second, and third place respectively) as the AL representatives, leaving out Billy Butler of the Royals.

[6] Later, Canó claimed that Kansas City fans targeted his family during their jeers at the All-Star festivities.