By Eli Ruiz
JEFFERSONVILLE — June 21, 2005 – Fun was the theme Saturday afternoon at Lion’s Field in Jeffersonville.
Bill Moloney, a Crime Scene Investigator for the New York State Police in Middletown and a Jeffersonville resident, put together a “Home Run Derby” where local residents were able to enjoy the beautiful weather and watch fellow community members compete in different age groups for the title of “Home Run King.”
The first group to come up to bat were the 11- to 13-year-olds.
Among those young hitters was Dallas Milea, 12, who plays Little League for the Kings Bay Dodgers in Brooklyn.
Milea led off with a home run and took the title of Home Run King with a total of four homers.
Next up was the 14-to 17-year-old division, where Frank Piliere led off with three homers.
Not to be outdone, Jim Moloney of Jeffersonville came from behind to hit four round trippers to edge Piliere for the title.
Moloney was a pitcher and center fielder for the Sullivan West Bulldogs varsity baseball team this spring.
The last category was for 18- to 39-year-old batters.
Daniel Milea took an early lead, hitting two past the fences.
Rory Carrier also qualified for the next round where he promptly blew away his fellow competitors. He captured the title by hitting five homers.
Dozens of people participated in the derby and Bill Moloney hopes to use the experience to help him make next year’s event even better.
Modell’s Sporting Goods was a sponsor and donated several baseballs autographed by Rich “Goose” Gossage, Duke Snider, Lou Pinella and other great players from years past. The balls were auctioned off after the event.
All proceeds from the competition went to St. George’s Church in Jeffersonville.