Perfect Game USA to host free home run derby

Perfect Game USA is proud to announce it will host the sixth annual Chuck Fulton Memorial Home Run Derby at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 18. The derby is held in memory of Chuck Fulton, longtime Cedar Rapids baseball supporter, and is free to boys and girls ages 12 and under.

Along with Perfect Game, the derby is sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Kernels, Rawlings, New Era, and Lucky Awards. Support for the Home Run Derby is also provided by Metro Studios.

The goal of the Home Run Derby is to create a lifelong memory in hopes that one day these kids will fall in love with the great game of baseball. Jerry Ford, Perfect Game USA Founder and President, strongly believes in grassroots baseball and the necessity of baseball. “Baseball fans are more important than baseball players,” he said.

Four age groups will participate with 6-&-under starting at 12:00 p.m., 8-&-under at 12:30 p.m., 10-&-under at 1:00 p.m., and12-&-under at 1:30 p.m. Check-in at the stadium will begin half hour hour prior to the start of each age group. Awards will be presented for the most home runs and longest home run in each age group. Each participant will receive a free T-shirt and will be eligible to win prizes.

Registration forms are available at the Perfect Game Pro Shop, 1203 Rockford Rd. SW, and the Bimm Ridder Diamond Shop at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Completed registrations can be faxed to 319-298-2924 and must be submitted by Thursday, Sept. 15.

Friends and family are welcome to attend the derby.