Northwest Wayne News

The Wayne State University baseball team held its sixth annual home run derby fundraiser on September 23 at Comerica Park in Detroit. Junior Alfredo Velazquez won the event, hitting eight home runs in the final round against senior Bennett Hitzelberger, who hit four.

The fundraiser collected $55,202 from 375 different donors and donations. The event included several rounds of competition among players. In the first round, Velazquez led with 12 home runs, followed by Drew Hill and Bennett Hitzelberger with 10 each. Other participants included Tony Hatzigeorgiou (7), Gabe Zeldes (3), Caleb Sanders (4), Owen Tuccinardi (2), Brayden Crowe (1), Ty Garza (1), Michael MacLean (3), Frank Jeney (2), and Drew Dawson, who did not record a home run.

In the semifinals, Velazquez and Hitzelberger advanced to the finals after scoring two home runs each. The championship round saw Velazquez outpace Hitzelberger to secure the win.

Head coach Ryan Kelley commented on the growth of the event: "This key event continues to expand every year for our program and community," said Kelley. "This year's derby offered another indelible downtown Detroit evening! A sincere and genuine thank you to approximately 400 donors who contributed to our student-athletes as they chase for the ultimate success on and off the field this academic calendar year. We are gratified by the number of individual donors, sponsors, families, fans and our tremendous alumni who impacted this experience. Thank you to the Detroit Tigers organization and their specialized departments for providing this distinct opportunity. Thank you to our Wayne State athletics' supportive departments for your exceptional assistance. We look forward to seeing everyone again at Harwell Field next spring!"

Public address announcers at the event included WSU baseball alumni Reagan Paulina, Ryan Foley, Jake Finkbeiner, and WSU Assistant Athletic Director Mads McKenna.

Youth outfield shag participants represented several local organizations including Indians Baseball Club, Michigan Bulls, Detroit Prospects, Warriors Baseball Club, Precision Patriots, Hawks Gold, Top Tier, and Hit Dogs.