The Samford University baseball program staged its 11th‑annual Media Home Run Derby on a bright afternoon at Joe Lee Griffin Field, drawing a mix of local reporters and university staff.
Each contestant took five practice swings before the official competition began, setting the stage for a contest that blended sport with a light‑hearted charity vibe.
The field of participants included Johnny Congdon of ABC 33/40, Blake Gardner representing Samford Broadcasting, Dee Jackson and Trez Jackson from Action Unlimited, Arielle Schaffer of Samford Broadcasting, and Brad Seitz alongside Jackson Gibree from Samford Athletics.
In the opening round, Gardner and Brad Seitz each launched four home runs, while Dee Jackson managed three, earning them spots in the finals.
Championship showdown
The championship round saw Gardner and Dee Jackson trade four‑homer bursts, with Seitz falling short at three, creating a tense showdown that kept the crowd on edge.
Gardner ultimately prevailed in the third playoff round, edging Jackson by a two‑to‑one margin and securing the derby’s trophy.
After the final swing, Whataburger provided a meal for all competitors, adding a casual celebration to the competitive atmosphere.
The Bulldogs are now in the final week of their regular season, preparing to host Wofford for a three‑game series Thursday at 4 p.m., Friday at 4 p.m., and Saturday at 1 p.m. at Griffin Field.