Blasting Off at Little League Home Run Derby

More than two dozen Little League baseball players took their cuts at the league's annual home run derby at Sliney Fields. After all the swings were in, 7th grader Devin Derenzo emerged as this year's home run king.

Derenzo hit seven home runs, includng four in the final round, to take first place. Second place was a tie between Richard Madonna and Devon Lawson.

"This event is a great way to showcase the talent in Little League and have a fun day that includes players at all levels," Little League President Mike Kmietek said. "The derby started last year and has been a great success for the league and the kids."

The event was part of Branford Little League's annual skills competition and field day, which also included pitching and running competitions for players in all age divisions.

The home run derby was held over two days because of rain. Any player in the majors division of Little League was eligible to compete, Kmietek said. This year's competition also featured two female players who have each hit home runs over the fence during a game. Ariel Hanson, a 7th grader, and Marisa Minore, a 5th grader, both participated. Hanson and Minore which were believed to be the first in Branford Little League history.

This year's home run derby was a thrilling event as Richard Madonna jumped out to an early lead by belting six blasts over the fences on day one of the competition. Rain cut that day short. Both Devon Lawson and Devin Derenzo also moved into the finals by belting three homers. Then during the hit-off, Devin Derenzo went yard four times. The fences at Sliney Fields are 180 feet in left and right and 200 feet to dead center.

The following players also competed in the competition: Noah Lordan, Kosta Eliopoulos, Kordelle Brown, Ryan Sember, Artie Northrop, Bryce Baker, Ross Prior, Jordan Botte, Neil Clyne, Joe Reilly, Wyatt Miller, Luke Spivey, Connor Dow, MJ DelRocco, Marc Pellegrino, Justin Edwards, Alphonse Suppa, Devin Lawson, Zach Withington, Dalton Carden, Alex Luhn, TJ Beaudin, and JP McGowan.

Edwards was the regular season home run champ with eight blasts.

Kmietek said he hopes to expand the event even more next year to include other competitions and activities.

The league also recently handed out its regular season awards as voted on by coaches in the majors division. Derenzo and Lawson were named co-most valuable pitcher;  Ryan Sember and Connor Dow were named co-most valuable player; and Sember also earned the Derek Jeter Award.