Batter Up

Friday, 10 July 2015 13:35

Big Brothers Big Sisters is hosting a Home Run Derby this Saturday at Tip O'Neill Park

WOODSTOCK - Calling all baseball fans!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Woodstock will be holding their first ever Home Run Derby on Saturday. Group Program and Volunteer Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters James Rijneveld says, "It's a chance for all the big shots who think they can hit some home runs to come out and show their stuff in a real competition format. Woodstock Minor Baseball has teamed up to help us out with this. Really what this event is, is it's getting a lot of people in the community to come together and maybe learn a little bit about Big Brothers Big Sisters and the need for volunteers at our agency."

The event features three age categories; the youth junior competition (11 - 13 years old), the youth senior competition (14 - 17 years old), and an adult group (18+). The winner from each of these groups will walk away with something special. "We have Toronto Blue Jays jerseys for the winners of each division."

They will also have a speed gun, concessions, and prizes. Rijneveld says there's also a chance for a little summer safety. "We also have an opportunity with Oxford Injury Prevention Team, they're going to be located on site to check bike helmets, check bikes, and potentially replace bike helmets if need be."

Registration for the event is $10 for both youth groups and $15 for the adults. The fee will be waived for the first 30 youths to register. Registration is available by filling out a form at Woodstock Minor Baseball and taking to the park before 9:30 a.m on Saturday.

The junior competition is up to bat first at 10 a.m. followed by the seniors at 11 a.m. and finally the adults at 12 p.m. It all takes place at Tip O'Neill Park.

Big Brothers Big Sisters are also hoping to find some new volunteers as there are currently over 40 youth waiting to be paired up with mentors. They encourage anyone who might be interested to come on out and see what they're about.