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Batters of all ages step up to the plate in Altoona

Kristen — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:26:47 +0000

On Wednesday, July 25, batters, fans and a plethora of volunteers came out to the Peoples Natural Gas Field, home of the Altoona Curve, to participate in the second-to-last home run derby of the season. Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer® at the Altoona Curve started out with a group of “little sluggers” stepping up to the plate to take their turn at the batting cage. This group, comprised of 3 batters under the age of 15, knocked off the socks of spectators as they made some incredible hits to the outfield and truly held their ground. Look out for this group in the years to come at Altoona!

Thanks to all of our teams, and the groups of volunteers who stayed with us throughout the day to shag balls in the outfield as the sun beat down on them…that’s dedication! We had groups from AT&T, Best Buy, YTI Career Institute and the Altoona Curve Junior. We couldn’t have been there without you, thanks for your support!

Check out the list of teams below, and our solo home run hitter!

Community State Bank of Orbisonia – 1,580 points (Altoona Winners!)
Central PA Community Foundation – 1,170 points
PSU Altoona Grounds Crew – 785 points
The Sky’s the Limit – 780 points

Home Run Hitters:

Scott Knepper from Community State Bank of Orbisonia—1

Thanks to everyone who came out, including the staff of the Altoona Curve for their help and enthusiasm at our event. View all of the photos from the Altoona Derby at Peoples Natural Gas Field here.

Breaking Records at the Reading Phillies

Kristen — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:58:33 +0000

Temperatures were rising in Reading, but despite the heat, the First Energy Stadium was the setting of a record-breaking 21 home runs at our third home run derby of the season, including an incredible 8 individual home runs from John Furlong and 5 individual home runs from Kevin Becker. A total of 13 teams and 27 volunteers, along with 3 individual batters came out to the Reading Phillies to Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer^® with the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.

Check out the batting totals for the day, along with the list of home run hitters:

Furlong Boys Team 2—2,105 points (Reading winners!)
Cross’ Crusaders – 1,795 points
Furlong Boys Team 1 – 1,745 points
Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute —1,685 points
Shillington Steal – 1,425 points
Landrum Lumberjacks – 1,325 points
Bethlehem Bombers – 1,135 points
Donegal Insurance Cancer Crushers Team 1 – 1,130 points
Swinging for Second Base—970 points
Wells Fargo Team 2 – 750 points
Wells Fargo Team 1—650 points
Donegal Insurance Cancer Crushers Team 2—640 points
UPMC – 395 points
Individual Batter Jeffrey Lengle – 375 points
Individual Batter Greg Gunter – 310 points
Individual Batter Brad Schneider – 185 points

Home Run Hitters:

John Furlong from Furlong Boys –8
Shane Monahan from Cross’ Crusaders – 1
Billy Bonfig from Cross’ Crusaders – 1
Bob Monahan from Cross’ Crusaders – 1
Kevin “Bubba” Becker from Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute – 5
Ryan Hatfield from Shillington Steal – 1
Craig Holman from Shillington Steal – 2
Pete Baylor from Landrum Lumberjacks – 1
Brett Landrum from Landrum Lumberjacks – 1

Special thanks to all of our batters & volunteers, as well as the energetic friends, family and coworkers who came out to cheer on the teams. Even Screwball came out to show his support for breast cancer awareness! Together, you made the day a huge success. Additional thanks to the incredible staff at the Reading Phillies for their help in putting this day together, and to our media partners of Blue Ridge Cable 11 news for covering the event. View all of the Reading photos here. Next stop: Erie SeaWolves on Thursday! Remember to follow us live on Twitter (@PBCC) for live coverage of all of our home run derby events.

First Home Run of the Season at York Revolution

Kristen — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:08:32 +0000

Sovereign Bank Stadium’s 37.7 foot wall at the York Revolution didn’t stop our batters from hitting it out of the park at the Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer® home run derby on Thursday, July 12. A total of 12 teams and 20 volunteers helped make our second home run derby of the season a huge success; AND we found our first home run hitter, Brad McCullough of PeoplesBank Team 3, at the event. Congratulations to Brad for his home run and high score of 525 points!

Check out the breakdown of team scores at York Revolution:

PeoplesBank Team 3—1,895 points (York Winners!)
Parentebeard—1,285 points
PeoplesBank Team 2—1,240 points
Johnson Controls—1,215 points
Hall of Shamers – 1,140 points
Reinsel Kuntz Lesher Team 2—1,050 points
FOX43 News—1,040 points
PeoplesBank Team 4—1,020 points
PeoplesBank Team 1—960 points
Team Hard Body—945 points
Reinsel Kuntz Lesher Team 1—865 points
UPMC—710 points

Additional thanks to the staff and players of the York Revolution, and to our media partners who showed up at the stadium: the York Dispatch and FOX43 news. Be sure to tune in to FOX43 on Friday, July 20^th at 10:00 pm to catch coverage of the home run derby. View all of the York Revolution photos here. Next up: Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer at the Reading Phillies. Follow the action LIVE on twitter (@PBCC) and look for the recap here on our blog!

Gearing Up to Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer

PA Breast Cancer Coalition — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:30:58 +0000

Excitement is building across the state in anticipation of the PBCC’s Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer® home run derby, taking place at eight minor league ballparks this July! New this year is an online fundraising component which allows teams and individuals an opportunity to raise awareness of their journey to the derby while raising funds to support the PBCC’s mission at the same time. Register today!

What do you get for stepping up to the plate? Each batter gets 15 swings for a chance to score big. Batters earn 100 points for home runs and fewer points for hits to the infield. Prizes are awarded to the team at each stadium that earns the highest number of points and to the individual batter who earns the most out of all individuals in the state. Everyone walks away a winner with a batter’s jersey, program, souvenir team photo, goody bag, and an overall great experience for a good cause!

We are shooting for a goal of raising $100,000 through the Home Run Derby this year and need YOUR help to get there. If you want to step up to the plate as a batter, register today. If you want to volunteer your time for a specific location, please complete the volunteer form. If your business is interested in sponsorship opportunities, check them out! See you out at the ballpark!

Home Run Derby Round-Up

PA Breast Cancer Coalition — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:52:46 +0000

It was a banner month for the PBCC this July, thanks to the statewide sponsors and the 151 teams and 16 single batters that took on the challenge to Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer in the 2011 Home Run Derby! The results have been tallied and we have quite the list of heavy hitters among our Top Ten Teams. And the winners are…

Top Ten Teams

1. PeoplesBank of York Team 3 – 2,360 points

2. The Hershey Brothers – 2,070 points

3. Neuman’s Crew (Rep. Brandon Neuman) – 2,025 points

4. Bald is Beautiful – Harrisburg – 1,925 points

5. TESCO & the Fette Family Team 2 – 1,905 points

6. Rep. Karen Boback Team 2 – 1,835 points

7. Sen. Mike Brubaker Team 1 – 1,795 points

8. Rep. Sue Helm’s Hitters for a Cure – 1,765 points

9. Rep. Karen Boback Team 1 – 1,700 points

10. Icing on the Lake Team 2 – 1,675 points

Top 5 Single Batters

1. John Furlong (Reading) – 550 points

2. Chuck Asman (Lehigh Valley) – 475 points

3. Jeff Lengle (Reading) – 410 points

4. James Wolfe (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre) – 400 points

5. Tyler Smith (State College) – 375 points

New this year is the ‘Rookie of the Year’ designation. This designation goes out to our youngest single batter whose turn at the plate brought tears to many eyes and pride to many hearts at Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster. The honor of 2011 Rookie of the Year goes to 7-year-old Andrew Hackart, who stepped up to the plate in honor of his Grammie who is a breast cancer survivor.

For complete results from each stadium be sure to read each of the 11 stadium recaps on our blog. Be sure to visit our home run derby Hall of Fame to see a complete list of all the 2011 home run hitters!

President’s Corner – PA Legislators Go To Bat for the PBCC

PA Breast Cancer Coalition — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:50:18 +0000

The PA House stepped up to the plate to Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer by passing House Resolution 282 – authored by Representative Garth Everett – in support of the Home Run Derby held in July in communities across Pennsylvania. In a unanimous vote, the House saluted the efforts of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers and the PBCC in raising awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer.

Representative Garth Everett not only stepped up to the plate for the PBCC in introducing the resolution – he literally went to bat in Williamsport and took a few swings in the Home Run Derby. He was not the only PA legislator to step up to the batter’s box, however. Among those to take a turn at the plate were the Home Run Heroes – a trio of lawmakers who participated in the Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster events as part of their ongoing friendly hometown rivalry. Senator Mike Brubaker, Representative Scott Boyd and Representative Eugene DePasquale joined forces to become the Home Run Heroes and the official Travel Sponsor for the Home Run Derby. Special thanks to Rep. Tina Davis, Rep. Karen Boback, Rep. Sue Helm, and Rep. Brandon Neuman for sending teams to compete at the Derby. Also, many thanks to Congressman Tim Murphy for stepping up and taking a swing in the Washington County event!

Continued Support in State College

Kevin — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:45:16 +0000

It was a bittersweet day in State College on Saturday, July 30th. Our eleventh-and final-home run derby event of 2011 took place at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on the picturesque morning. We had a few teams that were ready for some home runs, but no one lucked out! Check out how everyone stacked up.

Stahl Sheaffer Engineering – 1,445 points
Bill Nye’s Guys – 1,300 points
Blesh’s Bombers – 1,210 points
Energy CAP/Second Mile – 1,185 points
Automated Records “Chumley’s Clean Sweep” – 1,075 points
Videon Central “Struble’s Cleanup Crew” – 970 points
Barton Associates – 930 points
The Biohazards – 745 points

We had one Single Batter at the Medlar Field, Tyler Smith had 375 points! Special thanks to all of our teams, volunteers and the staff from the Spikes. Our appearance in State College was a great way to round out the fourth year of the Take A Swing Against Breast Cancer events. Stay tuned for the final wrap-up of stats, big winners and thanks! In the mean time, check out photos from our day in Centre County!

Home Runs Lead the Pack in Altoona

Kevin — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:04:34 +0000

The 4th Annual Take A Swing Against Breast Cancer home run derby is coming to a quick close. Where did July go?! The PBCC crew was excited for the derby to be at the Altoona Curve. And the day did not disappoint! Check out our high scores and the home runs that just kept on coming!

Team Hershey – 2,070 points
Team Belmar – 1,580 points
C&G Savings Bank Team 2 – 1,395 points
Community State Bank of Orbisonia Team 1 – 1,325 points
Altoona First Savings Bank Team 1 – 1,275 points
Enterprise Car Rental – 1,275 points
Altoona First Savings Bank Team 2 – 1,240 points
C&G Savings Bank Team 1 – 1,065 points
Laurel Eye Clinic – 965 points
Community State Bank of Orbisonia Team 2 – 780 points
Curve Front Office – 710 points
Forever Broadcasting – 440 points

Single Batters at bat at Blair County Ballpark:

Bill Klenoshek – 355 points
Brice Verbit – 310 points

We handed out quite a few pink and white home run baseballs at Blair County Ballpark. We love seeing home runs, so we certainly enjoyed the day! Congratulations to all of the batters!

Matt Hershey from Team Hershey – 5
Scott Knepper from Community State Bank of Orbisonia Team 1 – 3
Justin Blackburn from Altoona First Savings Bank Team 1 – 2
Joe Glass from Team Belmar – 1
Mason Hershey from Team Hershey – 1
Bill Klenoshek, Single Batter – 1
Gary Wurm from C&G Savings Bank Team 2 – 1

Special thank you to the Altoona Curve, the staff, interns, field crew, and everyone who made the Home Run Derby a great day at Blair County Ballpark! WJAC, WTAJ and the Altoona Mirror all stopped by to check out the event. Thank you for helping to raise awareness in the Altoona area! Check out some of the great photos from the 10th stop of the 2011 Home Run Derby!

Williamsport Teams Hold Steady

Kevin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:38:18 +0000

On Tuesday, July 26th, the Home Run Derby made a stop at the Historic Bowman Field. The Williamsport Crosscutters welcomed the home derby batters and volunteers as we head into the home stretch for 2011.

PA State Police Milton – 1,615 points
City of Williamsport – 1,570 points
Chesapeake Energy – 1,420 points
ParenteBeard – 1,225 points
Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships – 1,190 points
Frito Lay Williamsport Team 1 – 990 points
Bald is Beautiful Williamsport – 975 points
Frito Lay Williamsport Team 2 – 970 points
Woodlands Bank Team 2 – 920 points
Woodlands Bank Team 1 – 875 points

Our only Home Run Hitter in Williamsport was Josh Kendrik from the PA State Police. He hit two out of the park!Special thanks to Rep. Garth Everett, Mike Mussina, and all of our batters who swung for the fences. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported the derby. We raised over $9,500 through the efforts in Williamsport! Check out the photos from our day at the ballpark.

Record temps bring high points in Lancaster

Kevin — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:57:02 +0000

The record high temperatures didn’t stop 21 teams, 3 single batters and dozens of volunteers from coming out and participating in the Home Run Derby on July 23rd. The event at Clipper Magazine Stadium raised an astonishing $11,500 for the PA Breast Cancer Coalition! None of this would have been possible without these teams and home run hitters!

Rep. Eugene DePasquale Team 1 – 1,615 points
Rep. Scott Boyd’s Bombers – 1,600 points
Sen. Mike Brubaker Team 2 – 1,525 points
Ameriprise Team 2 – 1,410 points
Sen. Mike Brubaker Team 1- 1,340 points
Heany Boulder, LLC – 1,300 points
Universal Technical Institute Team 1 ‘Power Team’ – 1,280 points
Universal Technical Institute Team 2 – 1,275 points
Guns of Roses Team 1 – 1,225 points
Ameriprise Team 1 – 1,200 points
Blakinger, Blyer & Thomas, P.C. Team 2 – 1,195 points
Foot Locker – 1,165 points
Average Joe’s – 1,150 points
Guns of Roses Team 2 – 1,095 points
Rep. Eugene DePasquale Team 2- 1,045 points
Larson Design Group Team 2 – 1,015 points
Bald is Beautiful Lancaster – 1,000 points
Blakinger, Blyer & Thomas, P.C. Team 1 – 925 points
Dart Container – 865 points
Penn State Hershey Cancer institute Team 2 – 805 points
Penn State Hershey Cancer institute Team 1 – 560 points
Larson Design Group Team 1 – 495 points

Single Batters:

Scott Bell – 370 points
Greg Gunter – 295 points
Andrew Hackart – 175 points

Home Run Hitters:

Jordan Stoltzfus from Sen. Mike Brubaker Team 2 – 2
Colbe Herr from Rep. Eugene DePasquale Team 1 – 1

The Lancaster Sunday News hung out for the day and grabbed some shots of Andrew Hackart and the Guns of Roses. Check out the story online.

It was great to see fans cheering on the batters and volunteers working together in the outfield. The teams put up some high scores and it was a close battle all the way to the end! Rep. Eugene DePasquale’s Team 1 ultimately scored the 4 hot pink bats, but everyone is a winner for coming out and supporting the fight against breast cancer! Take a look at the photos from our day in Lancaster!