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Wayne State University Athletics

Hunter DeLanoy
Hunter DeLanoy ready to take his winning swing.

Baseball Cameron Weidenthaler, Assistant Media Relations Director

Baseball Holds Successful Home Run Derby Fundraiser

DETROIT -- The Third Annual Wayne State University baseball home run derby fundraiser was held on Friday, September 23rd at Comerica Park and graduate student Hunter DeLanoy (Hartland, Mich.) defeated Brett Zimmerman (Frankfort, Mich. / Frankfort HS) in the championship round.  DeLanoy is now the back-to-back Home Run Derby champion after winning the crown in 2021. 

"I just want to say thank you to all the people who donated to the program and made the event possible," said DeLanoy.  "It truly was an awesome experience being able to hit under the lights at Comerica Park." The event raised $18,661, which will go towards supporting the 2022-2023 baseball program and approaching NCAA season.  There were nine teams with designated hitters and those teams' solicited money for additional time at the plate.  The teams were entered into the Justin Kelly and Jon Weisman Brackets.  Justin Kelly is the program's career home run leader after surpassing Hall of Famer Jon Weisman during the 2019 season.

On field public address hosts included longtime broadcasting professional Joe Abramson plus 2022 WSU baseball graduate Michael MacLean.  Special guest batting practice pitchers included Steve Hatzigeorgiou who pitched to his son, Tony Hatzigeorgiou.  WSU baseball Alum, Matt Williams was the guest pitcher for derby participant Jacoby Dale.  Former WSU Assistant Baseball Coach Jake Pacholski pitched to Kyle Ray and Rudy Ramirez.  Outfield derby participants represented youth levels from organizations such as the Michigan Bulls, Precision Patriots, Detroit Prospects, Berkley Cubs, East Coast Michigan and Warriors Baseball. 
 

DeLanoy had a round of 14, while Zimmerman had a round of 10.  Other notable performances were Ramirez with eight and Dale with seven.
"Three years of the home run derby have proven to be an enjoyable and successful experience for our baseball program," said head coach Ryan Kelley.  It was extraordinary to host the event at Comerica Park.  A special thanks to our professional baseball organization neighbor.  Our student-athletes performed another tremendous job by marketing and executing this fundraiser initiative.  A sincere thank you to all WSU baseball families, friends and alumni who contributed to this year's home run derby in support of our student-athletes.  We look forward to the fourth installment in 2023."

 
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Players Mentioned

Hunter DeLanoy

#5 Hunter DeLanoy

OF
6' 2"
Graduate Student
L/R
Michael MacLean

#42 Michael MacLean

1B/LF
5' 11"
Graduate Student
R/R
Rudy Ramirez

#34 Rudy Ramirez

LF/RF
6' 0"
Senior
R/R
Kyle Ray

#22 Kyle Ray

C
6' 1"
Redshirt Sophomore
L/R
Brett Zimmerman

#3 Brett Zimmerman

C/RHP
6' 2"
Redshirt Junior
L/R
Jacoby Dale

#23 Jacoby Dale

OF
6' 1"
Junior
R/R

Players Mentioned

Hunter DeLanoy

#5 Hunter DeLanoy

6' 2"
Graduate Student
L/R
OF
Michael MacLean

#42 Michael MacLean

5' 11"
Graduate Student
R/R
1B/LF
Rudy Ramirez

#34 Rudy Ramirez

6' 0"
Senior
R/R
LF/RF
Kyle Ray

#22 Kyle Ray

6' 1"
Redshirt Sophomore
L/R
C
Brett Zimmerman

#3 Brett Zimmerman

6' 2"
Redshirt Junior
L/R
C/RHP
Jacoby Dale

#23 Jacoby Dale

6' 1"
Junior
R/R
OF