Eastern Wayne Today

Wayne State University’s baseball team will hold its sixth annual Home Run Derby Fundraiser at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, on Tuesday, September 23. The event begins at 7 p.m., and admission is free for all attendees through Meijer Gate D.

During the fundraiser, each participating team will select a designated hitter who will have 60 seconds to hit as many home runs as possible. Teams can earn extra hitting time—two additional seconds for every $25 pledged—which could help increase their totals.

All money raised from the event will go directly to supporting the Wayne State University baseball program and its priorities. The players’ teams that collect the most donations and record the highest number of home runs will receive special rewards. Donations can be made online, and fans are encouraged to contribute to give their preferred teams more time in the competition. Those wishing to donate offline may contact Carter Lotz, WSU athletics Development Director, by email or phone.

The Home Run Derby has generated over $132,000 since it began. In recent years, fundraising amounts have included $16,979 in 2020; $20,255 in 2021; $18,661 in 2022; over $32,000 in 2023; and $44,969 last fall.

Players listed as designated hitters include Tony Hatzigeorgiou, Carson Tehan, Kavan White, Cooper Clark, Ethan Getting; Gabe Zeldes, Gabe Nazelli, Luke O'Keefe, Matt Mareno; Alfredo Velazquez, Jack Saputo, Nick Sandiha, Adam Thuss; Drew Hill, Rocco Cardinale, Rhett Roeser, Landon Ide; Drew Dawson, Brady Blakita, Braylon Laroo, Coy Plummer; Caleb Sanders, TJ McAllister, Zach Warner, Philip Miller; Owen Tuccinardi, Oscar Pace, Gavin Nash, Nick Baker; Bennett Hitzelberger, Bryce Simpson, Macio Miller, Will DeMasse; Logan Van Sicklen, Carter Cline, Brayden Crowe and Steven Whitted; Ty Garza , Will Lowery , Joel Mator , Evan Langlois . Alumni participants include Michael MacLean and Frank Jeney.

"It's looooooong gone!" said Ernie Harwell.

For more information about donations or participation details for this year’s derby at Comerica Park—including online giving options—fans are directed to reach out via provided contact methods.