A record number of spectators gathered at Aviation Sports Complex in Marietta on February 1st to witness the Second Annual Crushin’ For A Cause, a home run derby raising money for youth sports equity and blood cancer research. Atlanta Braves Prospect and local player Tyler Tolve (Sprayberry HS, Kennesaw State & 6-4-3 DP Baseball alum) and his lineup of professional hitters knocked 96 baseballs out of the park. Hosted in conjunction with The 6-4-3 Foundation and SagerStrong Foundation, the event featured a three-round home professional run derby, a two-round amateur home run derby, a silent auction, games and player autographs while raising over $18,000 for two meaningful causes. “This year’s turnout, weather, and participation was truly a blessing,” said Tolve.
The event opened with six talented local high school players competing in the Prep Baseball Georgia Home Run Contest: Amaree Griffin (’27 Holy Innocents & 6-4-3 DP Baseball), KJ Hart (’25 River Ridge & Georgia Jackets), Robert Hicks (’25 Riverwood & 6-4-3 DP Baseball), Sam Kunz (’26 Holy Innocents & 6-4-3 DP Baseball), Jackson Loy (’27 Darlington & 6-4-3 DP Baseball) and Kane Moye (’25 Union Grove & The Dream). After an exciting preliminary round, Hart, Hicks and Moye advanced to the finals where Hart took the crown with five home runs. “It was so much fun competing with the others,” Hart said of the amateur round.
Following the amateur event, opening ceremonies featured three ceremonial first pitches: Tyler Tolve’s father, John; young cancer fighter Ripken Kimberly; and Better Baseball’s Fuzzy Furr. Home run participant Luke Berryhill then offered a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem, setting the stage for the highly anticipated professional derby.
Professional Derby Delivers Excitement
Nine participants stepped up to the plate for the main event. After the preliminary round, Berryhill and Cael Chatham went head-to-head on one side of the semi-final bracket and hit 7 and 8 home runs respectively. Local talent and 2024 3rd round draft pick Charlie Condon and defending Crushin’ For A Cause champion Michael Trautwein competed on the other side of the semi-final bracket and sent 6 and 7 balls over the fence respectively.
Chatham and Trautwein, two local area players faced off in the final round. Chatham, with a record 12 home runs, edged out Trautwein who had 9. “It was a great experience. I had a good time out there with everyone. I’m glad that Tyler asked for me to be a part of it,” said Chatham. “It was a cool experience where guys who grew up playing around the area got to come back and give back.” Chatham finished the day with a remarkable 28 home runs.
In addition to those mentioned, the following were also in attendance: Michael Chavis, Parks Harber, Sam Kuchinski, Justyn-Henry Malloy, Jaylen Smith and Carson Taylor.
Community and Fundraising Impact
Beyond the on-field action, the event served a greater purpose. The inspiration behind Crushin’ For A Cause stems from Tolve’s personal connection to cancer. His father, John, battled Multiple Myeloma during Tolve’s high school years. Additionally, his great uncle fought leukemia, and at the same time, the 6-4-3 community rallied behind Carson Rozsman, a young player facing brain cancer. These experiences motivated Tolve to create an event that gives back. “It was a tough time for the family,” Tolve recalls. “My dad went through a year of treatment, both chemo and radiation, and spent two weeks in the ICU after a procedure. But thank God that is all behind him now.”
Throughout the afternoon on February 1, patrons bid on autographed items from the event participants as well as items sporting MLB player autographs such as Freddie Freeman, Fred McGriff, Todd Helton, and Dansby Swanson. One lucky fan won a bat, custom made for the event, with each participant’s autograph! The atmosphere was further enhanced by delicious offerings from The Cheezy Truck and DonutNV, along with music and kids’ games.
Looking Ahead and a Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
“This would not be possible without SagerStrong as well as The 6-4-3 Foundation,” said Tolve. “Being able to give back to two unbelievable foundations was my vision when I came up with the idea of a homerun derby back in October of 2023, and this year’s derby surpassed all expectations. I am truly excited for next year’s event!”
Crushin’ For A Cause was sponsored this year by: 6-4-3 DP Baseball; Aces, Inc.; Athletes Go Live, Atlanta Coca Cola Bottling United; Better Baseball; College Athlete Advantage; C.W. Matthews Contracting, Inc.; Dove Tail Bat Company; Evercy Wealth; Grunduski Group; Martin Electrical Solutions; and Prep Baseball Georgia. In addition, several people and organizations donated silent auction items and scores of volunteers made the day a success! With more than $18,000 raised, the event exceeded expectations and will make a meaningful impact on youth sports programs and cancer research.
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