COLTS NECK – The Colts Neck Sports Foundation will hold the sixth annual Tony Garito Memorial Home Run Derby at Laird Field, 180 Laird Road, on June 23 at 3 p.m.
The Colts Neck Sports Foundation runs recreation and travel sports programs for Colts Neck with the help of volunteers.
Tony Garito was a member of the foundation’s Board of Directors and was in charge of the township’s baseball program. The home run derby was the idea of Garito’s son, A.J., who currently serves on the foundation’s Board of Directors.
The home run derby raises money that will be used to construct a memorial park at the baseball complex to recognize people who were involved in the sports foundation.
The format for the home run derby is as follows: Contestants age 18 and over will get six outs and will try to hit as many home runs as they can before recording six outs. An out is any swing that does not result in a home run. In the younger divisions, each constant will get 12 swings to hit as many home runs as they can.
The home run derby is open to all age groups and there will be boys and girls divisions. Participants will receive a T-shirt upon entry. There will be music, food, beverages and a gift auction. One participant will have a chance to win four tickets to the Major League Baseball Home Run Derby in Washington, D.C., on July 16.
For the younger divisions, home runs will be determined based on fences placed at various distances on the baseball field. Trophies will be awarded to first, second and third place in each division, with additional prizes being awarded to the older divisions.
“We started out as my family and I running the event and it’s gotten to the point that the Colts Neck Sports Foundation and the township has embraced it and they are helping to promote it,” A.J. Garito said. “It’s getting bigger and it’s becoming more than just a three-hour contest, it’s becoming a festive day.”
Visit coltsnecksports.org to sign up/download pledge forms. Forms are also available at the snack stand. For additional information, email [email protected]