Miracle League Home Run Derby raises money for player scholarships

The Miracle League of San Diego’s recent 6th annual Home Run Derby raised more than $20,000 for player scholarships. Joined by Major League Baseball heroes Trevor Hoffman, Mark Loretta and Mike Sweeney, players, buddies, parents, coaches and volunteers of all ages and abilities used the same Big Jack bats and balls the Miracle Leaguers use to test their batting prowess.

The Miracle League of San Diego is a nonprofit organization committed to providing children with mental or physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. Local sponsors for this year’s Home Derby included the San Diego Padres, Wells Fargo Bank, CareFusion, Barney & Barney, Dowling & Yahnke Wealth Management, Samuel Scott Financial Group and the Kurtin Family.

Here are the winners of each of the Miracle League Home Run Derby divisions:

•Miracle League Assisted: Jake Froman with 20 home runs

•Miracle League Unassisted: Matteo Mah with 25 home runs

•Juniors (13 and under): Drew Turner with 14 home runs

•Juniors (14 to 18): Drew Addy with 5 home runs

•Adult Female: Lissa Palmer and Juliana Sapp with 12 home runs

•Adult Male: Anthony Batchelder with 9 home runs

•Optimist: Jon Vance with 12 home runs

•Professional: Kenny Blattenbauer with 65 home runs