Forestview freshman wins HR derby -- with no homers

GASTONIA - The Gastonia Grizzlies' high school home run derby became more like a longest drive contest.

None of the four high school players were able to hit it out of a windy Sims Legion Park, so the contest reverted to the longest-hit ball, crowning Forestview freshman Zach Daly the champion Wednesday.

Daly, centerfielder for the Jaguars, slugged one about 330 feet to right center in the final round to win the derby title and a Combat Sports bat valued at $349.

"I just tried hitting it as hard as I could because the wind was blowing in and everything," said Daly, a last-minute entrant. "But overall it was fun."

A big park and brisk wind blowing from right field proved to be an impossible combination. North Gaston's Justin Parker, Forestview's Seth Hazelton and Bessemer City's Chris Williams joined Daly in failing to hit one over the fence in the first round. Each player was given 10 outs, where anything not hit out of the park was considered an out.

After striking out in the first round, all four players were given three more outs in the finals. None succeeded, but Daly's shot covered the most distance.

Few players entered the derby because two American Legion baseball teams - Gastonia Post 23 and the Gaston Braves - were playing a make-up game Wednesday. Hazelton plays for Post 23 but said he received permission from his coach to enter the home run derby.

"The wind was blowing in like a hurricane," Hazelton said. "I just couldn't hit it out. I hit a few solid ones, but I don't know. It was that bat. I didn't like the bat at all."

Four Grizzlies players stepped up the plate for exhibition purposes but didn't fare much better. Randolph Oduber and Russell Wilson sent two balls out of the park, Josh Ashton one and David Chester none.

The contest was a success in its first attempt last year, as Ashbrook's Josh Ghorley won the title with three homers in the finals.

You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.