Twin Ports Miracle League inaugural Home Run Derby a hit

Every day at the Twin Ports Miracle League Field at Harrison Park in Duluth is a hit with the kids.

Saturday the fun increased as the YMCA program threw the first pitches of their inaugural Home Run Derby.

"To watch these kids hit a ball and round the bases, there isn’t any words to explain how excited they are and how much passion they have for this game. This year, with revenue being down in other areas, we said we need to raise some money for this league," Emily Ranta explained, the executive director for the Downtown Duluth YMCA. "We came up with Home Run Derby and we’re hoping for a great success."

The league is designed to offer kids of any and all abilities from ages 4 to 19 an opportunity to play baseball.

20 people from Miracle Leaguers to high school baseball players and adult volunteers participated.

They picked up Wiffle ball bats to see who could blast the most homers over the fence and claim the title of first-ever Twin Ports Miracle League Home Run Derby Champion.

"Miracle League is awesome. I’m going to get a lot of home runs. I’m going to [hit] down over there with home runs over the park," said Miracle Leaguer Quin ahead of the Derby.

"I think it’s a great opportunity for all of the kids to get time to play baseball and they might not have the opportunity elsewhere," said Noah Furcht of Esko High School. "I think it’s really cool that they get to play on their own field and play baseball."

All proceeds from the derby are going directly towards Duluth YMCA accessibility programming and services.

The 2021 Miracle League season will run through July 31st.