2009 Smiles For Jake Home Run Derby


On Saturday, July 25, the SOCS sponsored its First Annual Home Run Derby to benefit Smiles for Jake, the foundation started by Warrior outfielder Mike Paternoster in honor of his late son, Jake. The SOCS was thrilled with the turnout. Just about every team played a part. That is what this league is about, having fun and giving back," said SOCS League President John Benhardt. Homerun hitters from around the league came to put on a show, and what a show it was. Tim Bradley (DAWGS) and Colby Scholler (Dragons) made it to the final round. Three rounds were not enough though as they had to go into an extended round which only alloted three outs. Tim Bradley battled and put on a great show but Colby Scholler came out victorious on this day.

After the Home Run Derby members of the Dawgs and Warriors took the field in a game that was played in honor of Jake Paternoster. Through four innings the score was tied at 5 but in the top of the fifth inning the DAWGS offense came alive and they put ten runs on the board. They would add two more in the sixth inning.

Going into the bottom of the seventh, the Warriors gathered together in their dugout. "We are playing tonight for a little boy who had to fight for his life. He faught as hard as he could with honor and dignity. He had fun along the way too. In the end he lost his battle, and we may loose ours. But let us learn something from him tonight. Let us fight like Jake." With that the Warriors put their hands together for their war cry. It wasn't their usual "Warriors!" chant though, they chanted "Jake!" The first person to the plate? Jake's father Mike. The Warriors would go on to plate 9 runs in their final inning. They brought the tieing run to the plate and had the DAWGS on their toes. The Warriors lost the battle, but it didn't matter because what took place on the field was more powerful than any scoreboard.  

After the game Mike Paternoster said, "I felt like Jake was here tonight. I felt it. Tonight, because of the SOCS and the Warriors, I was able to reconnect with my son."

 

PLEASE VISIT www.SmilesforJake.org