First-ever home run derby benefit will be Aug. 13

WINSTED — A benefit home run derby for Connecticut Radio Information System (CRIS) will be held on Saturday, Aug. 13, at Walker Field starting at 9 a.m.CRIS, which is based in Windsor, provides specially programmed radios that broadcast 24 hours a day to the blind and handicapped who cannot read printed material.The programs on CRIS radios includes a variety of articles from state and national newspapers, book readings and interview programs.Peter Cianciolo, local chairman for CRIS and a member of the Lions Club District 23B, is the organizer of the event.“My 15 year-old son, Nicholas, came up with this benefit idea,” he said. “This is a solid idea for a fundraiser. We have never done this before.”The rules for a home run derby are much different from a normal baseball game: Batters will each receive 10 pitches. A home run is defined as a point, while a hit that is not a home run is an out.There will be three rounds during the derby, with the top 20 scorers moving on to the second round.The final top four scorers will play in the derby’s final round.Temporary fencing, which will go out 325 feet into the field, will be erected on Walker Field for the derby.“The secret to getting a home run is to hit a nice level swing, just be relaxed and put all of your weight into it while making it one constant motion,” Cianciolo said. “That will make your hits go very far.”Registration for the event is $10, due by Friday, Aug. 12.Entries submitted on the day of the event will be charged a $5 late fee.Players ages 10 to 100 may enter the competition.For more information, call Cianciolo at 860-913-9144 or email petercianciolo@sbcglobal.net.

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