Our 2nd Annual Homerun Derby was a great start to fundraising for the 2017-2018 school year. In preparation for the event the Gettysburg College Baseball Team advertised the event for a couple weeks prior in the College Union Building where we registered students for the event, sold t-shirts, and raise awareness for ALS. Players from all grade levels volunteered, allowing us to effectively spread the word to as many students as possible. Through our efforts we were able to raise over $600 that will go directly to ALS Research !
In order to make the event as enjoyable and welcoming of all skill levels we decided to use the Gettysburg Softball Field for the Homerun Derby. Softball Coach, Annette Hunt-Shepherd, was extremely helpful in allowing access to the field and equipment to make the event successful.
The Event was styled after Major League Baseball’s Homerun Derby. The first round each player got 2 minutes to hit as many balls out as they could, with the top 8 hitters making it to the bracket round where they would go head-to-head. After the quarter-final rounds four players were left: Dante Fargnoli ’18, Charlie Williamson ’19, Matt Jamieson ’20 and Jake Billelo ’19. Charlie Williamson erupted in the opening of the semi-finals by smashing 22 homeruns over the fence in 2 minutes with only 25 swings. It was an incredible, record breaking performance which left Dante Fargonli ’18 a lot to compete with. However, Fargnoli stepped up to challenge and proved that a smart strategy would prevail. He took roughly 35 swings in the 2 minutes and was able to hit 23 homeruns, just beating out Williamson to make it to the finals where he would face off against Jake Billelo ’19.
Billelo, being the #1 seed had a very easy road to the finals, never having to finish his rounds in either the quarter or semi-finals. In the semi-finals he was able to defeat Matt Jameison ’20 in under 15 seconds! Perhaps it was that saved energy which allowed Jake Billelo to defeat Fargnoli in the finals and take home the First place Prize, a $25 dollar Chipotle gift card!
Overall, the philanthropy event was a big success. Though Billelo was the winner, everyone who participated expressed their joy in being able to crush balls over the fence like the major leaguers. The Gettysburg College Baseball team was honored to be able to represent Project ALS during this event. Our Homerun Derby encompassed what philanthropy at Gettysburg College is all about, bringing students together for fun events that raise money and awareness for serious issues.
If you have any interest in learning more about ALS please visit ProjectALS.org and/or please consider making a donation through our site.
I would like to extend one final thank you to everyone who made this event possible. We appreciate and look forward to your continued support. We wouldn’t be able to ‘Take ALS Yard’ without you!
Click on the donation Tab to Help Us Raise Funds for ALS Research! 
Leave a comment