In March, I participated in two home run derbies. The first was at Loyola University, while the second was at DePaul University.

In my three previous derbies at Loyola, I managed to hit one home run. This year was a real challenge. The derby occurred after the second game of a doubleheader. Loyola won both games, with the second going into extra innings. That meant we sat outside for about seven hours with the temperature around 45 degrees. Besides former players, only a few of us stayed for the derby.

Loyola infielder Nat Lesnicki was my pitcher. With the Ramblers cheering, I took mighty swings but fell just short of clearing the fence. The Ramblers were really into it, cheering for all of us.

Nat Lesnicki

DePaul’s home run derby also occurred after a win in extra innings and in frigid temperatures. It was especially fun having DePaul assistant coach Abby Ramirez pitch. I have known Abby for many years, from her playing days at the University of Michigan to her pro career in Chicago to her current role at DePaul. Once again I fell short, hitting several long line drives better suited for a game than a home run derby. Much like at Loyola, the Blue Demons cheered and joked before and after my turn at bat.

Abby Ramirez

Chelsea Parker

Jolie Adams

Despite not hitting any home runs, it is always fun at these events. Both derbies benefitted Cal’s Angels, a Chicagoland pediatric cancer foundation. The players loudly encourage every batter and congratulate all, no matter the result. Very few of us non-players hit home runs, but we were all winners.

After each event I celebrated with pizza. Pizzas at Lou Malnati’s and Peqoud’s were the perfect ways to end the days.

Lou Malnati’s

Pequod’s

— John Wroblewski, podcaster