Derby on deck of USS Yorktown
The top four sluggers -- Hagerstown third baseman Matt Skole, Lexington third baseman Matt Duffy, Asheville first baseman Harold Riggins and Savannah center fielder Travis Taijeron -- now advance to the championship round of the derby that takes place on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and prior to the start of the 53rd SAL All-Star Game, which begins at 7:30 p.m.
Outfielder Mark Haddow and third baseman Rangel Ravelo from Kannapolis, second baseman Alen Hanson and right fielder Gregory Polanco from West Virginia, third baseman Zachary Johnson from Lexington and catcher Will Swanner from Asheville participated in the event but were eliminated.
The players took their swings and belted home runs into Charleston Harbor where there were scooped up by volunteers on jet skis.
Representing Miller High Life at the Derby was Windell Middlebrooks, the Miller High Life Deliveryman, who was on hand to make sure everyone in attendance got a piece of the High Life and also to help support military veterans.
RiverDogs co-owner Bill Murray, who is being enshrined in the SAL Hall of Fame on Tuesday afternoon along with Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and Asheville Tourists executive Carolyn McKee, also made an appearance and took a few swings from the cage.
"The Miller High Life Home Run Derby on the USS Yorktown was a fantastic event," said RiverDogs general manager Dave Echols. "We were pleased to be able to bring such a unique and fun event to our fans. We are looking forward to the second round on Tuesday at The Joe."
After the players took their swings, fans in attendance were able to get into the inflatable batting cage and had their opportunity to face a batting practice pitcher. The donations for the chance to bat went toward IAVA (Iraq-Afghanistan Veterans of America).
The All-Star Game is being presented by General Dynamics Land Systems -- Force Protection and the Charleston Restaurant Association.