Second Annual Babe Ruth Home Run Derby Set for October 11

WILKES-BARRE, PA — The second annual Babe Ruth Sultan of Swat Home Run Derby will be held on Oct. 11 at Kirby Park. This event honors the legendary home run Ruth hit at nearby Artillery Park in 1926 and supports the Geisinger Children’s Miracle Network/Janet Weis Children’s Hospital.

“We had such a great response and reaction to last year’s Derby that we decided to make it an annual event,” said Alan Stout, executive director of Visit Luzerne County. Many attendees expressed excitement about commemorating Ruth’s achievement, making the Derby an ideal event to celebrate local sports history.

On Oct. 12, 1926, Ruth hit what he claimed was the longest home run of his career. Reports suggest the ball soared over the right-field fence and landed in Kirby Park, an estimated 650 feet away. This distance is regarded as the longest recorded home run in baseball history.

A kiosk commemorating Ruth’s historic blast stands in Kirby Park, next to the main softball field where the derby will take place. The competition is open to men and women, ages 16 and up, with home runs measured using Rapsodo 2.0 technology.

The derby day kicks off at 11 a.m. with a three-inning softball game featuring teams from the City of Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County. After opening ceremonies at noon, the female derby starts at approximately 12:10 p.m., followed by the male derby around 1:45 p.m. Spectators can enjoy food vendors and meet “Champ,” the mascot of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, at no cost.

Last year’s inaugural Derby raised $2,200 for the Geisinger Children’s Miracle Network/Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown and Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo have both expressed their support for the event, celebrating its significance in local sports history.

“It’s an amazing story, and this Derby is a great way to note that while also doing something charitable,” Mayor Brown stated. Funds raised from this year’s event will also support local children’s health initiatives.

Participants will compete for “Sultan of Swat” awards for the longest home runs and “Bambino” awards for the most home runs. Each winner receives a trophy and a photo opportunity with the Babe Ruth kiosk. The event aims not only to honor baseball history but to engage the community in a fun, charitable atmosphere.