Santa Monica Pony Rosti Pizza Home Run Derby Winner Will Gasparino!

He started off big in the first round of the Santa Monica Pony Rosti Home Run Derby and he didn't disappoint, hitting bomb after, bomb, after bomb! 12 year old Will Gasparino, put all of the other derby competitors on notice in the first round, by setting the pace for a years worth of free pizza! The "golden ball" gets you the Easton Travel baseball bag. First one to hit the golden ball over the fence gets the bag. Check. Will got it in the first round! His next "shot" had the crowd on it's feet as the ball sailed far beyond the centerfield fence and into a crowd of kids catching fly balls. "Yep, that one's a goner," said Stu Grusin, home run derby judge, with a huge smile. In the final round, the top four advanced and once again Will Gasparino answered the charge with a dominating opening performance that set the bar really high for the next three competitors. 12 year old, Christian Resendez came very close, powering hit after hit, while leaving the crowd and Gasparino in suspense, as he got close to having the biggest upset of the day with each hit. "I wasn't sure who was going to win, said Wes Terry, Santa Monica Pony, Home Run Derby coordinator. " Will set the bar really high early on, and some came really close to challenging him. Honestly, the kids out here are fantastic. This was probably one of, it not the most talented groups I've had in the derby. This was truly exciting to watch and the crowd was supportive of all of the players, which made it great for everyone."

As the winner of the first annual Santa Monica Pony Home Run Derby, Will Gasparino received a huge trophy and free pizza for a year, courtesy of the derby sponsor, Rosti Tuscan Kitchen in Santa Monica. In addition he also won the Easton Travel baseball bag for hitting out the golden ball, courtesy of Team Factory LA baseball. Two great American past times, pizza and baseball. Another great way to get the community together for a good time and supporting the league," said Michael Eaglin,Team Factory LA baseball Head of Player Development and home run derby pitcher.

Santa Monica Pony Baseball is a non-profit organization that was created to provide all players between the ages of 4-14 the opportunity to participate in baseball. We want to Protect Our Nation's Youth as they grow into young men and women and become leaders of tomorrow. Santa Monica Pony Baseball is a community based program for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Photo: Santa Monica Pony Bronco, Home Run Derby Winner, Will Gasparino