Derby crowns ninth new champ

In the same area of Clintonwood Park where fireworks illuminated the night sky on Independence Day, home run balls lined the summer night’s sky Aug. 10. Al Brown of New Boston won the ninth annual Michigan Home Run Derby, knocking eight homers out of the park.
Rob Stafford from Waterford, 2006 winner, was runner-up with seven dingers. Sed McCollum of Flint and Greg Axelson from Romeo tied for third place, hitting seven home runs.
‘This is the ninth year and every year we’ve had a new champion,? Organizer David Miller said.
About 200 fans watched the 30-batter event.
Addison Turk of Clarkston, 21, hit six home runs and tied for fourth place in his first softball derby.
‘It’s a lot different,? Turk said. ‘I’ve played baseball my whole life.
‘I knew I would have to hit seven or eight to be in contention, but I had mixed feelings about how I was going to do.?
Turk said he was hoping to hit at least one homer in his derby debut.
‘I didn’t expect to win, but it was fun to get my first one in and I’m looking forward to next year,? Turk said.
Batters had to swing with an uppercut to hit pitches out of the park, Turk said. Going into the event, it was known the fence at Clintonwood was an added challenge because of its height.
Added pressure is put on the batter’s designated pitcher because of a limited pitch count. ‘If he throws strikes, it’s easier for the hitter,? Turk said. ‘It’s more pressure on the pitcher.?
Kenny Porritt, Turk’s pitcher and longtime friend, did his best to help Turk. ‘He did a great job. I wouldn’t have hit six if he didn’t do as good as he did,? Turk said.