EL1 Reading Fightin Phils

Harrisburg's Rahl Wins Home Run Derby

Published on July 10, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Reading, Pa.)---It came to one towering shot off the center field crane, but it was enough for Harrisburg Senators outfielder Chris Rahl, who came as the winner of the Baseballtown All-Star Classic Home Run Derby Tuesday night at FirstEnergy Stadium in front of 9,055 fans. Rahl finished with a grand total of 340 points, besting Melky Mesa's early lead of 300 points.

Rahl was partnered with Council on Chemical Abuse and for his efforts, $1,000 was donated to the organization.

The All-Star Home Run Derby and Autograph Party was the start of the two-day All-Star Classic. Each hitter was paired with a United Way partner agency and competed on their behalf during the event. Prior to the game, each player signed autographs at the table of their partner agency in order to raise awareness for the charitable organization.

During the hitting challenge, the batter's objective was to tally the most amount of points within a two-minute time limit. Batters attempted to hit targets lining the outfield, interns in dunk tanks and on trampolines, and a smattering of tires, pink flamingoes, and shopping carts. The obstacles even included a crane in dead center field that would help Rahl win the challenge.

Things got started quickly when the Reading Phillies' Leandro Castro blasted nine home runs and totaled 269 points for Co-County Wellness/Berks AIDS to take the early lead in front of an electric crowd. Following his performance, Castro was congratulated by his eight fellow R-Phils All-Stars and the rest of the Eastern Division roster.

Two batters later, though, Castro would see his lead diminish when Trenton's Melky Mesa racked up 300 points for the Family Guidance Center. Mesa's lead lasted nine batters until Rahl pulled away with the lead.

No other batters would come close to Rahl for the remainder of the hitting challenge, save for Richmond's Daniel Mayora. Mayora, who only had one home run entering the fun-filled night, rocked ten homers that amounted to 332 points, eight shy of Rahl's grand total.

Mayora finished with the evening with ten home runs, while Castro popped nine homers. R-Phils catcher Sebastian Valle also tallied eight dingers.

The hitting featured not just Eastern League All-Stars, but special guest appearances from former R-Phils pitcher and Phillies great Ricky Bottalico. Bottalico also was the color analyst during the event. 2010 and 2011 R-Phils MVP Michael Spidale took part in the event. Even the R-Phils' Crazy Hot Dog Vendor got a few swings in during the event.

Wednesday's All-Star Classic game will be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia starting at 7:00 p.m. Comcast SportsNet New England and Mid-Atlantic will also be carrying the event.

Tickets for the Baseballtown All-Star Classic and its events can be purchased online at www.RPhils.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in person at the R-Phils Ticket Office at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The Baseballtown-All Star Classic is proudly sponsored by All-Star Distributing, Crowne Plaza Reading, Susquehanna Bank, Betty's Salads, READING AIR, Y102 Rock Hits, Penske, Service Electric, 830 AM WEEU, VF Outlet, Comcast SportsNet, 69 News Berks Edition, The Works Wyomissing, and the Reading Eagle.

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Eastern League Stories from July 10, 2012


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