Bandits reveal All-Star derby rosters
Participants from each division were chosen based on their individual statistics in the categories of home runs, batting average, RBI, stolen bases and a wild card spot.
Five players were chosen from each division and will compete along with one local media participant that will be rewarded for winning a Quad Cities media-wide home run contest.
The players selected are listed below with the category for which they were selected:
West Division Hitters (Team) - Category (Stat)
Mike Walker (Wisconsin) - Home Runs (10)
Greg Rohan (Peoria) - Average (.346)
Daniel Ortiz (Beloit) - Runs Batted In (41)
Travis Witherspoon (Cedar Rapids) - Stolen Bases (27)
Cody Stanley (Quad Cities) - Wild Card
East Division Hitters (Team) - Category (Stat)
Yazy Arbelo (South Bend) - Home Runs (16)
Marcus Knecht (Lansing) - Average (.341)
Derek Dietrich (Bowling Green) - Runs Batted In (33)
Michael Crouse (Lansing) - Stolen Bases (19)
Jake Blackwood (Fort Wayne) - Wild Card
The 2011 Midwest League Home Run Derby will differ from competitions of the past in that it will be more of a hitting display than simply a home run hitting contest. Sponsored targets will be set up around the outfield that will reward hitters with points and prizes for themselves and fans or charities when specific targets are struck.
Players will still be heavily rewarded for home runs but will also receive points for different areas of the field, as well as having points deducted for hitting foul balls or not making contact with a pitch. In the end, total points will determine the winner in the three-round contest.
In addition to the hitting contest, fans will be entertained by the Russian Bar Trio and David "No Way" Burlet, two circus-style acts that are new to the Minor League Baseball circuit.
The Home Run Derby will be emceed by Dave and Darren from Rock 104.9 and will treat fans to a party-like atmosphere with upbeat music, player interviews and much more.
The Midwest League All-Star Home Run Derby will take place on Monday, June 20 at Modern Woodmen Park at 7 p.m with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.
The Home Run Derby is the start of two full days of activities surrounding the Midwest League All-Star Game. The All-Star Fan Fest will be held at the River's Edge, directly across from Modern Woodmen Park, on both Monday and Tuesday from 2-6 p.m., featuring inflatables, player autographs, ice skating and other interactive family activities. The All-Star Game itself will be on Tuesday, June 21 at 7 p.m.