Gladd to Participate at MLB’s Home Run Derby X in Fort Wayne

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. – First baseman Sam Gladd of the Taylor baseball team has been selected to participate in Major League Baseball's Home Run Derby X at Parkview Field in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Aug. 10 at 7 p.m.

The event, which features former MLB All-Stars, accomplished softball and women's baseball players, and local collegiate baseball players, is a twist on a conventional home run derby in that a team of three takes turns batting while an opposing team plays defense. Home runs earn points for the offense, while catches earn points for the defense. Home Run Derby X is played out in three rounds, with two semi-finals and one final round taking place. Further explanation of the rules can be found on the event's Frequently Asked Questions page and in this Rules Explained Video.

MLB legends participating at Home Run Derby X include decorated World Series Champions Jake Arrieta, Dexter Fowler and Nick Swisher, and 13-year vet Carlos Gomez. Past World Series winner Jonny Gomes will also be on site as a "hype man."

Gladd is one of four local baseball players set to compete in the Fort Wayne event, alongside Indiana Tech's Jack Ferguson, Purdue University Fort Wayne's Justin Osterhouse and fellow Crossroads League athlete, Saint Francis' Sam Pesa. These local athletes will each join one of the aforementioned MLB legends and a softball or women's baseball star to make up his team of three.

In two seasons with the Trojans, Gladd has mashed 21 home runs in 110 career games played. The slugger's accomplishments include being named Second-Team All-Crossroads League in 2024 and earning the 2023 NAIA World Series Charles Berry Hustle Award.

MLB's Home Run Derby X format debuted in 2022 and makes its inaugural appearance at Parkview Field to kick off the 2024 slate of competitions. Parkview Field is the home of the San Diego Padres' Single-A affiliate, the Fort Wayne TinCaps, and is the only Home Run Derby X host facility belonging to a team below the Triple-A level in MiLB.

Tickets for the family-friendly event, which will be capped by a fireworks show, start at $12 and can be purchased online, at the Parkview Field Ticket Office or by calling 260-482-6400.