The Inaugural North Kingstown Home Run Derby Was A Huge Hit

Wilson Park was the scene Friday night for the inaugural Wickford and North Kingstown American Little League Home Run Derby. In years past, Wickford Little League has hosted this event specifically for their league, in conjunction with their annual picnic. This year, Wickford invited the rising stars of the North Kingstown American Little League to participate in the home run derby and enjoy our picnic with us. This is just another example of how strong the relationship has become between the two leagues, who are eyeing a stronger bond as one league representing all of the Town of North Kingstown. Congratulations to the leadership of both Wickford and North Kingstown American Little League for creating this opportunity to make our baseball community stronger through events such as this.

Special thanks to the many volunteers who helped organize and run the Annual Picnic and Home Run Derby. Led by super Wickford Little League volunteer, commissioner Jim McGrath, volunteers made sure the fields were lined, enough burgers and soda was purchased, coordination of the raffle prizes, registration, throwing batting practice, and much more. Great job by the coaches who threw to the rising stars on the AAA field and on the Majors field. Thank you to the very enthusiastic crowd gathered, who cheered every swing and every hit like it was their child. The kids looked like they had a blast, and that is the most incredible feeling as a parent and a coach in this league.

Special thanks to Launch Trampoline Park for being one of the best sponsors any league could wish for. From sponsoring teams to working on the fields to coaching, your efforts are appreciated and our league is happy to have you!!!

And now to the results. Congratulations to all the participants for making your team, your league, and your family proud. So many great hitters in both leagues hit baseballs with authority last night. Line drives, moon shots, laser shots. Not even a little rain shower could stop these awesome hitters, no way!!!! North Kingstown baseball is going to a contender in districts, Urwin, and other friendship tournaments this summer. And the future looks bright for North Kingstown baseball thanks to the efforts of our incredible volunteers, wonderful families who support youth baseball, the great sponsors we have, and the amazing rising star players of Wickford and North Kingstown American Little League.

Here are the Home Run Champs from each division. From the photos above, Left to Right:

7s – Kean Ole Gaspar

8s – Nicholas Martucci

9s – Brandon Venditto

10s – Rock Arnold

11s – Cole Roschel

12s – Evan Beattie

Congratulations again to the winners of the 2017 Inaugural Wickford and North Kingstown American Little League Home Run Derby.