Though he didn't reach the second round, Triple-A All-Star Todd Walker of the Salt Lake Buzz enjoyed Tuesday's home run hitting contest at Franklin Quest Field.
"Those guys can hit it a long way," Walker marveled. "I'm a fan like everyone else and it was fun because a lot of these guys hit with a lot of power."Shots were bouncing off a neighboring house and the outfield berms as sixty-four homers, including one off the bat of the Buzz infielder, were hit by the 12 participants.
Greg Pirkl of the Tacoma Rainiers took top honors with 15 homers.
"I was able to find a rhythm and just do well," said the first baseman who will start for the American League in tonight's Triple-A All-Star Game. "This is exciting. Definitely, a thrill for me."
The nine-year pro, who has spent parts of the last three seasons with the Seattle Mariners, hit six homers in the third round to edge Lee Stevens of Oklahoma City and Buffalo's Nigel Wilson for the title. Stevens left the yard three times in the final go-around, but Wilson failed to clear the fence as Pirkl successfully rallied.
"It got a little exciting out there," he said. "It was a good time."
The field was pared from 12 to six before the trio battled for top honors. Walker, Salt Lake's lone representative, failed to make the first cut.
"I'm not a big home run hitter in batting practice, but I think I had three or four doubles," he mused.
Several competitors, Triple-A home run leader Stevens in particular, smacked towering shots that delighted the small crowd in attendance.
"I would say it's one of the better places to hit," said Pirkl, who won $500 for his top finish. Stevens earned $300 for placing second, while Wilson took $200 for third.
DERBY BRIEFS: Admission to the event was $2 with all proceeds being donated to charity . . . Five of the 12 sluggers were from the Pacific Coast League . . . The derby participants have combined to hit 232 homers this season.