It seems to be tradition for Turtle Wing Foundation that the weekend that their Jack Hooper Day at the Ballpark & Homerun Derby is to be held, it will rain. This was the case again for their 10th annual derby that was held on May 1. Organizers were able to successfully offer all of the activities that day due to the protection of the Wolter’s Park pavilion except the official MLB Jr. Home Run Derby. Fortunately, due to COVID delays, the MLB postponed the qualifying deadline. Therefore, Turtle Wing will be hosting their first MLB Jr. Home Run Derby on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the Jack Hooper Field which is located at the Schulenburg Sports Complex. The competition is open to all boys and girls age 14 and under. All participants compete together in one of two age groups (12U or 14U). A participant's age is determined as of July 17, 2021. Therefore, if a participant's date of birth is on or after July 18, 2008, he/she will compete in the 12U age group. If a participant's date of birth is July 18, 2006-July 17, 2008, he/she will compete in the 14U age group. You may view an online listing of local competitions on MLB’s website, however if you are reading this then the Schulenburg contest is likely your closest opportunity. Interested participants should register online, as all participants must be pre-registered prior to participation in the event. The registration link is https://jrhrd2021.leagueapps.com/events/2015167. Check-in will begin at 8 AM, with the Derby starting at 8:30 AM. Local champions will advance to the nearest regional competition competing against one another in a standardized Home Run Derby format determined by Jr. Home Run Derby staff. Upon winning at the local competition, a Jr. Home Run Derby staff member will provide the winners with information on the next level of competition. The regional champion in each age group will receive a trip for two (participant and legal parent/guardian) to the World Series™ for the Jr. Home Run Derby Finals. Turtle Wing supports individuals and families primarily from Colorado, Fayette, and Lavaca counties with academic, social-emotional, behavioral and/or developmental needs. To learn more about Turtle Wing Foundation visit our Facebook Page or contact Managing Director, Susie Shank, at 979-505-5090.
