Philly's top young sluggers light up Phillies Home Run Derby

The Phillies Home Run Derby Championship lit up Citizens Bank Park on August 30, as some of the area’s best young sluggers, ages 7–12, stepped up to the plate. After battling through local competitions and regionals, the finalists got the chance to swing for the fences on the Phillies’ home field. Every swing mattered, with players earning points based on both contact and distance, and the competition did not disappoint.

In the girls’ 7–8 division, Rylan Toboloski earned third place, Juliet Dautrich powered her way to second, and Sydney Donnelly claimed the top spot. The 9–10 age group saw Catie Masemer take third, Kelly Anne Reiley grab second, and Sabrina Castellente brought home the title. In the oldest girls’ bracket, ages 11–12, Bailey Moyer finished third, Charlotte Freeman placed second, and Kylie Bretz came out on top as the champion.

The boys’ divisions were just as action-packed. In the 7–8 group, Hunter Crange finished third, Brayden Cleary earned second, and Nolan Servino crushed his way to first. Among the 9–10 competitors, Jaxon Benoit took third, Tyler Abercrombie claimed second, and Ryan Hodges slugged his way to the win. Rounding out the oldest boys’ division, ages 11–12, Sawyer Salkowski came in third, James Chojnacki secured second, and Andrew Fandozzi sealed the championship with a big first-place finish.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants in this year’s Phillies Home Run Derby.