(Lancaster, Pa., July 9, 2018) – The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball today announced the six participants that will take part in the Digmi Home Run Derby. The event will take place prior to the Atlantic League All-Star Game, presented by Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, on Wednesday, July 11th.

“We have seen some tremendous displays of power in both the Liberty and Freedom Divisions this season,” says Atlantic League President Rick White. “With several of the top home run hitters in the league taking part, this will surely be an event that all fans can enjoy.”

The Atlantic League’s top three home run hitters thus far during the 2018 season will all be taking part in the Digmi Home Run Derby, which is slated to begin at 5:10 p.m. They include Lancaster Barnstormers outfielder Blake Gailen, who has launched a league-best 14 home runs this year, Sugar Land Skeeters outfielder Courtney Hawkins, who ranks second in the league with 13 longballs, and Southern Maryland Blue Crabs outfielder Cory Vaughn, who sits third with 11. Each of the three will represent the Freedom Division during the All-Star Game.

Two members of the host Long Island Ducks will be swinging for the fences during the Home Run Derby. 2017 Major Leaguer David Washington, who has crushed nine home runs this season, will be representing the Liberty Division. Six-year MLB veteran Lew Ford, who has totaled 65 home runs in his nine seasons with the Ducks, will also compete for the Liberty Division in the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game. Rounding out the derby field will be New Britain Bees infielder Deibinson Romero, who has also slugged nine home runs in 2018.

Digmi Home Run Derby contestants will each receive six outs in the first round of the competition, and any swing that does not result in a home run will be considered an out. Players holding the top three home run totals after the first round will advance to the finals, where each participant will receive four outs. Homers will not carry over from the previous round. The player with the most home runs in the final round will be named the Digmi Home Run Derby champion. In the event of a tie at any point in the competition, players will be given an additional two outs to determine who advances/wins.

Two umpires will be participating in the Home Run Derby to judge whether or not a batted ball is a home run or an out. They include Kris Engstrand and Frank Iurilli, who will both serve as umpires for the Atlantic League All-Star Game as well. They will be joined on the umpiring crew for the All-Star Game by Matthew Kane and John Grasso. Long Island Ducks catcher Robert De La Hoz will serve as the catcher for the Home Run Derby as well as the bullpen catcher during the All-Star Game.

The Atlantic League’s 21st Annual All-Star Game will be held at on Wednesday, July 11th, at Bethpage Ballpark, the home of the Long Island. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., with the ballpark gates opening at 5:00 for all fans. Following the pre-game Digmi Home Run Derby, fans will enjoy in-game entertainment from the highly-acclaimed Bucket Ruckus and Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act. Following the game, all of those in attendance will be treated to the biggest Fireworks Spectacular of the season.

Tickets for the 2018 Atlantic League All-Star Game, presented by Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, are on sale now! Fans can purchase their tickets by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX, CLICKING HERE or downloading the Ducks mobile app.

About The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.

For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.

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