It was hot for a late September day, but that didn’t keep the participants and their fans away from the 7th Annual Miracle League of Las Vegas Home Run Derby! Logan Thompson, Vegas Golden Knights goalie, joined in the fun and pitched, signed autographs, and even sent a few homers out of the park. Even Betty, the Phillies mascot, managed to snag a photo with Logan, whom many believe will emerge as the VGK’s starting goaltender this season. And, it was a triumphant return to Miracle League for the Mets’ Jesse Simpson (“Hero”) after a 2-year stint on injured reserve… way to go, Jesse, we’re proud of you! THANK YOU, Logan Thompson and the Vegas Golden Knights for your support!
Our 2022 Home Run Derby Champions
Avery Coenen
Division I Champion
Avery Counen entered the Home Run Derby before he’d even had a single at-bat in Miracle League action. Despite his first official at-bat for the Rockies not scheduled until Opening Day of the 2022 Fall Season, he exploded on the scene with (23) Home runs in the Derby! A Home Run in Division I is any ball hit beyond the pitcher’s mound, and this Rockies rookie is certainly a player-to-watch as he begins his Miracle League career!
Analu Tam
Division II Champion
Analu Tam (“Nalu”) of the Padres, won Division II with (15) homers. In Division II, a home run is any ball hit over the infield dirt in the air, and Nalu’s (15) dingers in the 2022 Home Run Derby Division II competition was a new record! Now in his 12th Season, Nalu has been playing Miracle League baseball since he was 4 years old, and it won’t be long before he hits one over the fence!
Ray Wheatley-DeForge
Division III Champion
Ray Wheatley DeForge (“Ray Ray”), in his 10th Miracle League season, has emerged as one of the all-time great home run hitters in Miracle League history. He was the 2021 League Home Run Champion with a league-record (7) home runs, won the 2022 Home Run Derby Division III championship with (7) dingers, and added a 2-run blast on Opening Day of the Fall 2022 Season in the Competitive Division!
