Back to News Pujols Family Foundation Home Run Derby and All Star Game 6.16.08 The festivities began at 2:30 p.m. with the Home Run Derby, which allowed athletes of all ages with Down syndrome a chance to test their batting prowess and run the bases. To take part, players signed up for 30-minute time slot between 2:30-5 p.m. and received up to about 10 at-bats. Each batter’s longest hit was recorded. Three young men, in true Derby style, launched long balls over the fence. They were Nick McMullen, Jeff Murley, and Ethan Schroeder. All of the batters were able to show off their home run trots around the bases. Afterward, each batter was able to pose for the camera and flex some muscles in the dugout while Gina Kelly of Lace Imagestook their photo. “Just seeing the kids and their enjoyment being out here, I’ve had a blast,” said volunteer Corey Williams, who pitched to many of the participants. For Williams, a former college football player at Southeast Missouri Stateand now a broker for The Pinnacle Solutions Group, it was his first opportunity to volunteer at a PFF event. “It’s been tremendous,” he said. “It’s so well put-together, it’s just great to be here and a great event.” Added Katie Wachter, another volunteer: “I expected it be uplifting, but this has been pure joy to see the kids and their joy at being here. When you see them get their T-shirt and get to bat and run, you can tell how excited they are.” Chalk up a win for Albert’s All-Stars! Manager Albert Pujols marked his coaching debut in style, thanks to the great play of his All-Stars and a game-saving major-league catch at the fence by former Cardinals outfielder Kerry Robinson in the Pujols Family Foundation’s First Annual All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. In the game, held June 16 at the Miracle Field at the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex, the All-Stars faced a Bulldogs lineup that put up a stunning fight and skillfully handled Albert’s lineup. But the Bulldogs furious fifth-inning rally fell just short, and the All-Stars held on for an 18-17 win. When Robinson pulled down that final out, the capacity crowd at Chesterfield’s Miracle Field broke into raucous cheers. And much laughter and celebration followed in both dugouts, marking the end to a grand evening. The All-Stars lineup featured young adults with Down syndrome, many of whom play baseball at the Catch 22 Miracle League. The Bulldogs, a club of 12-and-under players from Ellisville, got some help from 7-year-old team batboy AJ Pujols. He was allowed to play in this special event. The only modifications for the game were that the Bulldogs couldn’t walk and the All-Stars could only strikeout if they had no contact on three swings. Other than that, it was baseball at its best. Curt Copeland of Z107.7 FM even came out to announce the game. “We had two practices with the All-Stars before the game and both went very well,” said Bulldogs “G.M.” Jim Zimmerman, whose son plays on the Bulldogs. “We told our players that the All-Stars understand everything, it just takes a little longer to process. We’ve got to try our best or they’ll know we’re not and we don’t want to offend them.. Our guys know to give it 100 percent.” Andy Benes was the starting pitcher for the All-Stars and Al “The Mad Hungarian” Hrabosky started on the mound for the Bulldogs. The two former major-leaguers put on quite a show, and the game got off to a quick start with the Bulldogs scoring two runs in the first off Benes. But the All-Stars broke it open in the bottom of the inning with eight runs, thanks in large part to a Grand Slam by Michael Vosevich, who launched one over the fence for an 8-2 lead and big dugout celebration. Meanwhile, among the standing room crowd, fans could be seen enjoying box lunches and drinks compliments of McAlister’s Deli. And some special kids and their families could be heard talking about how they might be All-Stars and play baseball with Albert when they get bigger too. “Albert’s the best!” said 11-year-old Derek Baker, with a giant smile on his face. “He hits the ball a lot.” Benes and Hrabosky continued their pitchers duel –and bantering – then Albert and assistant coach Robinson took to the field, with Albert even throwing a few pitches. Albert also batted in the bottom of the 4th, which brought everyone to their feet. Despite a calf injury, which landed him on the DL, Albert singled and ran to first amid the cheers. By the top of the fifth, the All-Stars led 18-8. The Bulldogs turned up the heat and rallied with nine runs in the top of the 5th inning, but fell just short when Kerry Robinson’s catch gave the All-Stars the win. “I’m just impressed with how special all these kids are,” said Hrabosky. “I’m impressed by the Bulldogs and their sportsmanship and how they understand the All-Stars. And to see how athletic the All-Stars are is really remarkable. "To see them pulling for each other is great.” Game notes: The PFF and title sponsor, Simon’s Jewelers, teamed to provide stunning uniforms embroidered with the Foundation logo for the All-Stars and coaches. Mike Matheny and John Mabry were among those with ties to the Cardinals who also supported the event.Matheny led the efforts to construct the Miracle Field. The field, which has a special synthetic playing surface and barrier-free design that helps athletes of all abilities to be able to play the game, was dedicated in August 2005. Another appearance included Smash, the local band leader and radio personality, who even pitched to a few of the participants during the HR Derby. All-Star Lineup Isabelle Hogan Emily Kramer Matt Smitherman Andrew Morrow Andrew Dysko Jeff Murley Josh Fankhauser Michael Vosevich Nick McMullen Doug Ludwinski Dan Leonard Andrew Webb Kaitlyn Trower Jessica McBratney Coaches: Bill Fankhauser, Darrell Trower, Joe Dysko Bulldog Lineup AJ Pujols Bill Branstetter Austin Zimmerman Justin Mann Matthew Perry Justin Ruck Collin Corley Kyle Breen Adam Bogar Zach Riffey Eric Rachell Coaches: Todd Perry, Dave Corley Click here for photo slideshow.