Yorktown will stage part of SAL Derby
Quite possibly the first-ever derby off the flight deck of a carrier, the event, which is being sponsored by Rick Hendrick Jeep Chrysler in North Charleston, will be held on Monday, June 18, at 11 a.m. with the championship round being staged at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the All-Star Game at Riley Park.
Fans wanting to attend Monday's early rounds of the Derby on the Yorktown may attend free if they mention the All-Star Game at the gate. For their comfort, food and drink may be purchased at the Yorktown's snack bar. Those wanting to witness Tuesday's championship round will need a ticket to the All-Star Game.
While Monday's first round on the Yorktown will be challenging enough with the varying winds prevailing, Tuesday's championship round will also prove to be a challenging event, given the pitcher-friendly wind conditions at Riley Park. Rest assured, however, that numerous home runs will be belted and a winner determined.
The 10 Home Run Derby competitors -- five from the Northern Division and five from the Southern Division -- will take their 10 swings in an inflatable batting cage that is stationed on the flight deck. A total of four players will make the final round that is set for 5:15 p.m .at Riley Park.
The RiverDogs, being the community-involved and environment-conscious organization that they are, have addressed the litter potential as they have hired kayakers and personnel on jet skis to retrieve the balls hit into Charleston Harbor. The U.S. Coast Guard will supervise and assist, and no sea life will be disturbed.
In addition, the Coast Guard will assess and note the longest homers to determine the finalists and will radio the results to officials that are stationed on the Yorktown to record.
The participants in the Home Run Derby will be announced at a later date.
Tickets for the All-Star Game are now on sale at the RiverDogs' Box Office at 843/577-DOGS (3647) and online at www.riverdogs.com.