TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Junior from OK Wins All-Star Home Run Derby Qualifier

Published on May 18, 2013 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Springdale, AR - Seventeen year-old Colby Demato launched two home runs and won the High School Home Run Derby Qualifying Round, presented by Tyson Foods, at Arvest Ballpark on Saturday Afternoon.

The Incoming Senior at Spiro High School, in Spiro, OK earns the right to compete among the Texas League All-Stars representatives in the Texas League All-Star Home Run Derby, presented by Tyson Foods, at Arvest Ballpark on Tuesday June 25th.

"I am going to practice some more," said Demato with a smile after the contest. "I am going to out to the High School field and take a lot more batting practice and see if I can hit more than two out."

The Spiro Bulldog added that he embraced the pressure of playing at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark where he was victorious over six other entrants from the Tri-state Area.

"It's different, it's fun," said Demato. "It gets you more excited than playing on just a high school field, but I like it. It gets me pumped up."

"It was just batting practice," said Demato after, "if you try to do too much you won't do anything so you just have to take it easy and relax."

Demato was selected by Spiro High School Baseball Coach Paul Croft to compete in the High School Qualifying Round. This past season as a junior, Demato led the Bulldogs with seven homeruns in the Oklahoma's Section 3A, District 8 Baseball.

Blake Gentry, one of Demato's close friends, served as pitcher for his turn at-bat.

"He throws good batting practice, I feel comfortable with him" quipped Demato, "he knows my pitch...a high-inside fastball...and I just turned on it.

The 17 year-old, along with his Coach and Gentry, made the 82-mile drive from Spiro this morning.

Demato also competes on the Spiro High School Football team that went 5-1 this past season in 2012.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and proud host of the 77th Annual Texas League All Star Game. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, AR. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from May 18, 2013


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