6/18/09 2009 Homerun Derby Contest
Eight contestants threw there hat in the mix for the 2009 Homerun Derby; (pictured left to right above) Jim Noel, Steve Everett, Bryan Jennings, Kevin Marszalek, Matt Kirsch, Josh Whitfield, Brian Meyers and Mike Downs. Unfortunatly, 2008 Derby Champion Adam Bontrager was unable to attend AllStar Saturday in order to defend his title. But the Derby must go on and did go on without him!
	The top 4 hitters moved on to the second round with the Homeruns from the first round carrying over. After some big swings and long distance shots, four advanced on; Mike Downs(5), Steve Everett(4), Kevin Marszalek(4) and Bryan Jennings(3).
Because Mike won the first round, he was able to choose the order for the second round, he opted to hit last. Jennings let off the 2nd round with 4 homers to set the mark to get into the finals at 7. Steve Everett followed up with 3 homers to tie Jennings. Kevin Marszalek broke the ties and power his way into the final round with 4 more jacks to give him a total of 8. Mike Downs, the first round leader followed up with 3 quick homeruns and choose to stop hitting and save it for the finals.
The Finals featured Kevin Marszalek of the Fightin' Roo's and Mike Downs of the Belly Itchers. This was Kevin's first derby and Mike's 3rd derby, but first time out of the first round. The can of grizzly was flipped and Kevin won the flip, choosing to hit second. Mike managed to hit 4 homeruns to lead off the final round and took the early lead. Kevin was unable to get into the swing of things and could not muster a single shot.
See all the photos here... Mike's four Jacks in the final round stood up and left him alone on top of the Homerun Derby for 2009 Congratulation to the 2009 Derby Champion, Mike Downs. Totals: Mike Downs 12 Kevin Marszalek 8 Steve Everett 4 Bryan Jennings 3 Jim Noel 2 Josh Whitfield 1 Brian Meyers 1 Matt Kirsch 0