DETROIT -- The fourth annual Wayne State University baseball home run derby fundraiser presented by Uniprop was held on Friday, October 13 at Comerica Park. Senior
Logan Tobel (Brighton, MI / Hartland HS) defeated redshirt senior
Kyle Ray (Woodhaven, MI / Woodhaven HS) in the championship round.
"After being out all of last year due to injury and not being able participate in the derby, I was nervous," said Tobel. "After being out there supported by my teammates and family, I was loose, and it was a lot of fun. I want to thank everyone that helped make this happen and to everyone who came out to watch. It will definitely be a memory I will cherish forever."
Nearly 300 donors helped raise approximately $30,000+, which will support 2023-24 baseball program operations, the approaching NCAA season and the overall student-athlete experience. This event was comprised of nine derby teams with designated hitters. These teams solicited monetary donations 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 Keith Jason and 2022 WSU baseball graduate
Michael MacLean. Special guest batting practice pitchers included Oxford High School varsity coach Dave Herrick, who pitched to
Tony Hatzigeorgiou (Oxford, Mich.). Detroit Western International High School and Michigan Bulls coach Juan Sanchez pitched to
Logan Van Sicklen (Waterford Twp., Mich. / Waterford Kettering). Toronto Mets assistant coach Frank Maury pitched to
Matthew Ferris (Toronto, Ont. / Emily Carr Secondary). Outfield derby participants represented youth levels from organizations such as the Michigan Bulls, LCB Legends, Detroit Padres, Precision Patriots and Jet Box.
Derby Results
