UTICA, Mich. – The USPBL hosted its annual Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in front of a packed out ballpark on Saturday night.
The Home Run Derby showcased six of the league’s best sluggers: Eastside Diamond Hoppers Joe Burke and Nick Kreutzer, Westside Woolly Mammoths Greg Vaughn Jr. and Buddy Dewaine Jr., Birmingham Bloomfield Beaver Dakota McFadden, and Utica Unicorn Ari Sechcopoulos. The Home Run Derby was comprised of three rounds with each hitter getting two minutes and thirty seconds to hit as many bombs as they can. Kreitzer took home the title of Home Run Derby Champion, hitting a total of 39 home runs. He hit 12 in Round 1, 13 in round 2, and 11 in Round 3.
The All-Star Game, immediately followed, featuring players from all four teams with each team captained by Unicorns outfielder Drue Galassi and first baseman Ari Secoppolis.
It was a tight game all the way to the end with each team scoring a run in the fourth inning. The defense was perfect for both teams as neither committed an error. The final score was a 1-1 tie to cap off the night.
For Team Ari, Secoppolis led the way for the team going 1-for-1 with a double.
For Team Drue, first baseman Joe Burke went 1-for-2 with a double and a sacrifice fly that scored the game tying run. Burke was crowned MVP of the All-Star Game.
The Unicorns will take on the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers on Thursday night for First Responders Night, as the USPBL shows its appreciating for the dedicated men and women, serving as first responders in Michigan. All First Responders can receive a free ticket by calling the box office, and family members can receive $2 off a ticket. First Pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
Written by Danielle McKinney
#SummerNightsUnderTheLights
The post 2022 Home Run Derby and All-Star Game appeared first on United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL).
Interested in web3 and pro baseball? If so, get your own web3 (NFT) baseball domain name! Click this link to discover more information.
If you are looking for savings and free shipping on baseball equipment and gear then Click Here or click on this image:
Discover more about the available NFTs specific to affiliated and independent minor league baseball teams and players: Independent Minor League Baseball NFT non-fungible tokens and digital art
Get notified of upcoming independent baseball tryouts from either of these services: first service or the second service. Prospective players can find some helpful resources here
See the list of former / folded independent baseball teams since 1993 and get non-official merchandise featuring those teams: Former Independent Baseball Teams And Merchandise
Do you collect or sell baseball cards and other sports memorabilia? If so, then here are some helpful resources plus where to get independent baseball merchandise from folded teams. Click Here to discover more.