Some of the Home Run Derby winners hold their plaques. (Photo courtesy of Sea Isle City)
The Philadelphia Phillies Home Run Derby is returning to Sea Isle’s Dealy Field Recreation Complex, 6108 Central Avenue, on Sunday morning, July 30.
This free batting competition is open to boys and girls, ages 7 to 12, who will swing at balls thrown from an automatic pitching machine, as they compete for prizes by gender in various age groups.
The top three batters in each division will have the chance to advance to the next level of competition – and hopefully progress to the Home Run Derby Championship later this year at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
In-person registration for the Phillies Home Run Derby takes place on the day of the event starting at 9 a.m. (no advanced registration is available).
The competition will begin at 10 a.m. for boys (ages 7-10). At 12 noon, all girls (ages 7 to 12) and boys (ages 11-12) will compete.
Participants are welcome to bring their own batting helmets and bats, however, equipment will be supplied as needed. Parents are reminded to bring bottled water, hats, and sunblock for their young competitors.
Jack Bradley, an avid Phillies fan, began the Home Run Derby and partnered with the Phillies in 1971 – the same year that Veterans Stadium opened in South Philadelphia.
Today, Jack’s son, Paul Bradley, remains a driving force behind the Derby – and each year Paul brings the event to Sea Isle City, much to the delight of countless children who participate in the annual competition.
“Fortunately for young baseball fans, Paul Bradley has kept his father’s wonderful event going strong,” said Sea Isle City Recreation Leader Bill Kehner, who helps host the Home Run Derby at Dealy Field each year. “We are very lucky to have Paul bring this fabulous competition to our beach community every summer.”For more information about the Phillies Home Run Derby, call Sea Isle City’s Recreation Office at 609-263-0500.
