THE SECOND ANNUAL wiffle ball home run derby to benefit the Jimmy Fund took place on July 29 at Fernald Field. (Courtesy Photo)

Published in the August 13, 2018 edition.

WAKEFIELD — Competing in the Jimmy Fund Little League has become an honored Wakefield baseball tradition. 

The wiffle ball home run derby at Fernald Fund is becoming its own custom with the same goal: to raise as much money as possible for the Jimmy Fund.

The second annual wiffle ball home run derby took place on Sunday, July 29 with plenty of great competition from adults and children alike. There was an even better turnout than last year’s derby; the result being a lot of money raised to help fund the fight against cancer. 

Also included at Fernald was a “guess my speed” pitching machine, a water balloon toss and other fun events.

The following are the winners of each age division. 

2018 Wakefield Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby champions

8-year-old division: Micahel Yaianacopolus. 

9-10-year-old division: Nick Dhingra.

11-year-old division: Mark Gagne.

12-year-old division: Tim Brown.

13-year-old division: James Christie. 

The organizers of the event would like to thank all the coaches and parents who donated their time and resources to make it happen and also John at Honey Dew Donuts, Rod at the T-Stop and Kevin at Reading Trophy. 

There are six teams competing in the Jimmy Fund Little League this year. 

Jimmy Fund Little League, now in its 32nd season, provides thousands of New England Little League players the opportunity to continue playing baseball and softball after the regular season ends by participating in local tournaments and fundraising efforts, including canister collection, carwashes and more. These remarkable boys and girls play to support the lifesaving mission of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

Last summer, more than 5,000 children throughout New England participated in this fundraiser that raised more than $250,000. The total amount raised so far this season is $203,881. Since its inception in 1987, Jimmy Fund Little League has raised more than $5 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit: www.jimmyfundlittleleague.org.