If you still think you have what it takes to power 'em over the fence, then be sure to sign up to participate in the derby. It's open to anyone, and will include both baseball and softball players.
Sounds like a great chance to live out a baseball fantasy or get out from behind the PS2 controller.
Already, there's talk of a Liffrig-Sorenson showdown, but perhaps there's someone else set to steal the show.
The derby will be held around 7 p.m. following the Keybirds vs. Minot Vistas non-conference doubleheader at 2 p.m. Entry fees are $50 sponsorship for both baseball and softball, and first place in each division will receive a $50 Sport About gift certificate.
The baseball swingers will get 10 outs, while the softball bat men will get 10 cuts or 15 pitches.
Each participant must supply his or her own pitcher. Of course if you can't find one, I'm sure Larry Grondahl has seen a few go over his head in his time. Maybe you could snag him?
You could even ask Darin Krueger, but after last weekend, he could be a little gun shy.
Also softball and baseball bats will be provided, but we all know the serious hitter has his own special bat and those are just fine as well.
Those wanting to enter, must register by Friday, July 25 at the Raymond Family Community Center. For more information, call Parks and Rec at 577-5141.
All monies collected will benefit Williston Boys Baseball.
Bird Ball
Speaking of Keybirds, they are set to close out the regular schedule this week.
The Birds will be at Jamestown tonight for their final conference games. They're really needing a sweep to be able to finish in the top five and avoid a play-in tournament for the state meet.
The top spot looks like it's still up for grabs with Dickinson leading with a 13-3 mark, followed by Minot at 12-4 and Bismarck at 10-5, and Fargo is 7-3.
Dickinson has yet to play Fargo and Minot, while Minot plays Fargo and Dickinson, and Bismarck has Wahpeton, Fargo and Mandan left. That leaves a lot yet to be decided.
And Fargo, who got a late jump on conference play, could be the biggest mover with five conference matchups left.
The Keybirds are currently tied for fourth with the Grand Forks Royals at 11-3. The Royals just have Mandan lef on their schedule. It could come down to a tie-breaker to see if Williston will host the top five teams to play for a seed at state, or if the Keybirds host the bottom six to battle for three state spots.
Williston is set to host either tournament July 31 and Aug. 1-2.
First things first though, after going to Jamestown, the Birds will play in the home nest hosting Dickinson in a nine-inning non-conference game at 7 p.m. Thursday and then host Minot in a non-conference doubleheader at 2 p.m. Sunday, followed by the home run derby.
Let's hope the Birds can take care of business at Jamestown and Grand Forks slips up to give us a chance to relax in the home tourney.
Leaving the nest
One of the Keybirds will be playing in the east part of the state will be Doug Richter.
Richter recently signed to play hardball with the Jamestown College Jimmies.
Jamestown coach Tom Hager is excited to have Richter coming aboard saying he looks forward to having a student-athlete who has proven himself in both the classroom and on the field.
Richter helped the Williston high school baseball team to its first ever state championship earlier this spring and is a veteran anchor on the Keybirds club this summer.
He earned All-West Region honors in baseball and was Honorable Mention as the Coyotes' quarterback in football. He also was part of a pretty good basketball program.
In the Coyote baseball season, Richter hit .384 with the wood bats, banging out three home runs, had 38 hits, 14 doubles and in 99 at-bats, scored 35 runs.
For the Keybirds last season, he also hit .384, with four homers and 33 RBIs, and had 50 hits in 138 at-bats.
Richter is the son of Dave and Debbie Richter, who will look forward to seeing their son stay with the orange and black.
Racing returns
After a week off, the Williston Basin Speedway will be back in action with another big night of racing Sunday, featuring the Williston Basin Inspection NLRA Late Model Special.
All classes will be in action, and fans will get another great night of racing, following a packed house for the World of Outlaws event.
Class A American Legion
Baseball Standings
W L GB
Dickinson Roughriders 13 3 -
Minot Vistas 12 4 1
Bismarck Governors 10 5 2 1/2
Grand Forks Royals 11 7 3
Williston Keybirds 11 7 3
Fargo Post 2 7 3 3
Devils Lake Storm 7 11 7
Mandan Chiefs 3 8 7 1/2
Wahpeton 4 10 8
Jamestown Eagles 2 12 10
West Fargo Patriots 3 13 10
Games left
Dickinson - Fargo (H), Minot (H).
Minot - Fargo (H), Dickinson (A).
Bismarck - Wahpeton (H), Fargo (H), Mandan (1) (H).
Grand Forks - Mandan (H).
Williston - Jamestown (A).
Fargo - Jamestown (H), Bismarck (A), Dickinson (A), Minot (A), Wahpeton (A).
Devils Lake - Mandan (H)
Mandan - Wahpeton (H), Bismarck (1) (A), Devils Lake (A), West Fargo (A), Grand Forks (A).
Wahpeton - Fargo (H), Bismarck (A), Mandan (A).
Jamestown - Williston (H), Fargo (A), West Fargo (A).
West Fargo - Jamestown (H), Mandan (H).
Sean Pitman | sports@willistonherald.com
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