First preliminary round contestants set for Hometown Hitter

The lineup has been set for the first of four preliminary rounds in the Hometown Hitter competition.

The first qualifying round will take place on Monday, May 19 immediately following the Loons’ game against Fort Wayne. The field of competitors includes Blake Benner (Midland HS), Jason Hockemeyer (Meridian HS), Jarrod LaBelle (John Glenn HS), Dugan Roosa (St. Charles HS), and Mike Schaaf (Arthur Hill HS).

Three more preliminary rounds will be held following the Loons’ games on June 2, June 3, and June 4. The top scorers from each preliminary round plus the top scoring second-place finisher will advance to the Hometown Hitter championship round, which will be held June 13. The winner of that round will be the ninth entry in the All-Star Home Run Derby, June 16.

Points in the Hometown Hitter preliminary rounds and championship round will be awarded as follows: one point for all balls hitting the warning track in the air, two points for all balls hitting the wall in the air and four points for all home runs.

Competing student-athletes will be allowed to use the Loons’ indoor batting cage to warm up. Prior to the competition, each player will be allowed three warm up swings on the field with his designated pitcher.

In the championship round, all ties will be settled with a five-swing playoff.

The Midwest League All-Star Game will be held June 17 at Dow Diamond.