Baseball in Fort Wayne

Yes indeed, it’s All-Star Week in Fort Wayne. It’s a time when the best of the best in the Midwest (League that is) who hasn’t been promoted or sidelined will come to the Summit City to show off their home run hitting talents on Monday before displaying their skills on the field come Tuesday.

And while the TinCaps didn’t quite dominate the first half like they did last year – they in fact didn’t even get a post season berth and now must come through in the second half if they are to defend their crown – the fan support at Parkview Field has been tremendous. As a thank-you, the team will offering $1 soft drinks and beers at Parkview Field concession stands during Monday’s festivities.

5:05-6:45: Player autographs

6:30: Little League Home Run Derby

7:30: MWL Skills Challenge

8:15: MWL Home Run Derby

Post-event: Fireworks!

On the West, two first-rounders from last year’s draft, Cedar Rapids OF Mike Trout and Clinton INF Nick Franklin, will slug it out in the Home Run Derby. They’ll likely to be joined by Quad Cities infielder Matt Adams and Wisconsin outfielder Khris Davis. Davis has already launched an estimated 425-foot missile to center field earlier this month during a game at Parkview Field.

From the East, the Loons’ Jerry Sands (with a league-best 18 home runs) will be joined by Fort Wayne infielder Nate Freiman is expected to hit at his home ballpark. South Bend infielder Matt Davidson and Dayton infielder Henry Rodriguez will likely make up the other half of the contingent.

The Midwest League sluggers will be joined by 2010 Garrett High School grad Spencer Burns, who won the TinCaps’ Hometown Hitters competition.