Noel and Denzel Zaldivar relax before their softball game.
Get ready for the Lovelock Softball Association's "Bombs Away for Summer" home run derby and family night. It will be on Friday, Aug. 4, at McDougal Park.
"The derby will be under the lights around 8:30 or 9 p.m., whenever it gets dark," says Philip Schmith, the LSA president. Admission is free and the concession stand will sell cold drinks, burgers and nachoes smothered in cheese.
Nothing shifts the momentum of a ball game like a home run. The batter must make solid contact with the ball and generate enough force to send it over the outfield fence. Home runs create excitement among players and spectators.
The LSA is now in its sixth season. Many of the players have been active since it started so they've developed their skills. The teams hit well and play good ball every Monday and Thursday night all summer long.
The derby will showcase their talents. In each round, the league's power hitters will take turns swinging at pitches within a set time limit, say four minutes. Spectators can expect a competitive contest.
Family night at McDougal Park
But "Bombs Away for Summer" is more than a home run derby. It's also a family night with games for everyone. Lovelock kids love relay races, so expect plenty of those. There has also been talk of a cornhole tournament, a game popular with people of all ages.
The family night activities start at 6 p.m. When the sun sets the derby begins.
50/50 raffle
There's still time to try your luck at the league's first season-long 50/50 raffle. The drawing will be held on Thursday, Aug. 3. Tickets are $10 each. They are available at the concession stand at McDougal Park on Monday or Thursday evenings. The proceeds go towards field improvements.
"We are hoping to get a lot of the community to come out to the derby, have fun and participate whether or not they play softball," said Schmith.
Follow the LSA Facebook page for more information.