USS YORKTOWN To Host First Round of South Atlantic League Home Run Derby
The 53rd Annual South Atlantic League (SAL) All-Star Game will make a grand debut in the Lowcountry this year. For the first time ever, the RiverDogs will host a classic Home Run Derby beginning aboard the flight deck of the USS YORKTOWN on Monday, June 18 at 11 a.m. and wrapping up at Riley Park at 5:15 on Tuesday, June 19. Both rounds of competition are open to the public. Fans wanting to attend Monday’s rounds of the Derby on the YORKTOWN may attend at no charge if they mention the All-Star Game at the gate. Tickets to the All-Star Game are required for those wanting to witness the championship round.
“We are thrilled to host such a unique event aboard the USS Yorktown,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “The SAL Home Run Derby offers a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase our spectacular view of the Charleston Harbor while also celebrating our national pastime and our nation’s naval heritage. We’re sure that players and fans will have a great time. The RiverDogs have become recognized for their fan-friendly marketing of events. They are always fun and I think it’s a great partnership.”
Both locations are expected to challenge the all-star players, with varying winds prevailing on the flight deck of the YORKTOWN and pitcher-friendly wind conditions at Riley Park.
The 10 Home Run Derby competitors – five from the Northern Division and five from the Southern Division – will take their 10 swings in an inflatable batting cage on the flight deck. A total of four players will compete in the final round.
The RiverDogs have hired kayakers and personnel on jet skis to retrieve the balls hit into Charleston Harbor and no sea life will be disturbed.
Tickets for the All-Star Game are now on sale at the RiverDogs’ Box Office at 843/577-DOGS (3647) and online at www.riverdogs.com.