Local Athletes Named to All-Star Home Run Derby
May 30, 2017 - Southern League (SL1)
Pensacola Blue Wahoos News Release
PENSACOLA, Fla., - The Pensacola Blue Wahoos along with Pensacola Sports has named four local high school students to the High School All-Star Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Fan Fest & Home Run Derby on Monday, June 19.
"Pensacola Sports is very pleased to be able to help with this great component of the All-Star Game activities," said President and CEO of Pensacola Sports Ray Palmer. "It is going to be a tremendous event for our community and truly a once in a lifetime experience for this high school athletes."
Prior to the top talent in Minor League Baseball competing in the Southern League Home Run Derby at Blue Wahoos Stadium, Donovan Benoit (Catholic High School), Logan Blackmon (Tate High School), Austin Garofalo (South Walton High School) and Rece Hinds (Niceville High School) will take the field to see who can land the most home runs into Pensacola Bay.
"As part of our commitment to the local community, it was imperative that we showcase local talent during the All-Star Fan Fest & Home Run Derby," said Blue Wahoos President Jonathan Griffith. "We are appreciative of Pensacola Sports teaming up with us for this unique opportunity."
Donovan Benoit, a four-year starter for the varsity Catholic Crusaders as a pitcher and infielder, homered in his first varsity game as a freshman. Since then, Benoit has been named to the 2016 Pensacola News Journal All-Area First Team, 2017 Prep Star of the Week, Louisville Slugger Preseason Florida Region First Team and 2017 FACA All-Star Team. Benoit has signed to play baseball at the University of Tennessee.
Logan Blackmon, selected the Tate Baseball Player of the Year by MaxPreps, hit .382 as a senior with five home runs. He spent three years on the Varsity team with a career .328 batting average with 60, hits, 40 RBIs and 34 runs. Blackmon has committed to Pensacola State College to play baseball.
Austin Garofalo, Walton County's All-Time Home Run leader, racked up 11 home runs this season as a senior for South Walton High School. In April, Garofalo committed to Marion Military Institute to play baseball. Garofalo posted a batting average of .438 during his two years of Varsity Baseball.
Rece Hinds, rated the second-best shortstop of the 2019 class and the nation's seventh-rated sophomore prospect, took the field for the Niceville Eagles this past season hitting 11 home runs. In April, Hinds committed to Louisiana State University.
Tickets to the 2017 Southern League All-Star Game and Home Run Derby are on sale now! Purchase tickets online at bluewahoos.com or visiting the Box Office. Orders can also be placed over the phone by calling 850-934-8444. The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Southern League. Follow the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at BlueWahoos.com, facebook.com/PensacolaBlueWahoos and twitter.com/BlueWahoosBBall.
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