Indians, NWL Announce HR Derby Format

SPOKANE, Wash., -- The Northwest League announced today the format for the 2015 All-Star Home Run Derby, which will lead directly into the inaugural 2015 Northwest/Pioneer League All-Star Game, presented by Cenex Zip Trip Stores.

Gates of Avista Stadium will open at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, August 4th, for the All-Star Fan Fest, and the Home Run Derby will begin at 5:45 PM.

The Home Run Derby will showcase six sluggers, three each from both the Northwest and Pioneer Baseball Leagues. Projected All-Star starter, Spokane's LeDarious Clark, will be among the six vying for the Home Run crown. The remaining five contestants will be announced shortly.

The derby will be set up in a bracket format, with the first round placing hitters against their own league for a spot in the championship. Each batter will have 3 minutes to hit as many home runs as possible, and in the event of a tie a :30-second tie-breaker will occur.

The Championship Round will feature the top slugger from the NWL and PBL with an added twist. After the 3 minutes has expired, local players from Spokane Indians Youth Baseball will load the bases setting up the Grand Slam Money Ball. Each player gets one final swing to hit a grand slam, with the possibility of adding four home runs to his current total.

In the event of a tie after 10 innings in the All-Star Game, the Home Run Derby Champion's league will be the deciding tie-breaker.

Admission to the Home Run Derby is included with your ticket to the 2015 All-Star Game and Fan Fest. Tickets cost $12 and are available at SpokaneIndians.com, by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886) or visiting the Spokane Indians Ticket Office (602 North Havana).

The 2015 Northwest/Pioneer Baseball League All-Star Game is presented by Cenex Zip Trip Stores, KHQ-TV, SportsRadio 1510 KGA and The Spokesman-Review. Supporting sponsors of the historic event include Banner Bank, Mirabeau Park Hotel & Convention Center, No-Li Brewhouse, The Odom Corporation and The Spokane International Airport.