Mark WiedmerIn future years, as the anniversaries hopefully mount, Cameron Doody envisions big things for Homers for Heroes. The inaugural edition of the home run derby for charity is from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at AT&T Field, home of the Chattanooga Lookouts.
“We hope it will become the biggest philanthropic event in town,” said Doody, the co-founder and president of Bellhops, the Chattanooga-based, tech-enabled moving company that’s organizing the fundraiser.
It would certainly seem to have the makings of a long-term grand slam. Sixteen Chattanooga businesses – everyone from TVA to EPB to this newspaper – are fielding two-man teams (one full-time employee and one recruit, which some might refer to as “ringers”) with the sole goal of hitting as many balls as possible over a temporary fence 300 feet from home plate.
Beyond that, former Atlanta Braves longball artist Ryan Klesko will be on hand to sign autographs from 2 to 5 and take a few batting practice cuts, though he won’t be swinging for the fence during the competition.
There will also be activities for kids, as well as the promise of 16-ounce beers for $2.50 each for those who’ve already celebrated their 21st birthdays. Talk about a home run.