Pete Alonso’s Battle for the Bay knocks giving back out of the park
Youth baseball and softball players participate in a home run derby at Plant High, with appearances from MLB stars like Randy Arozarena.
Raven Parker, 15, left, and Kaiahna Russell, 12, right, react upon hearing their team scored the most points during a youth home run derby, part of Pete Alonso’s Battle for the Bay at Plant High on Sunday. [ IVY CEBALLO | Times ]
The Alonso Foundation, established by Tampa native and New York Mets infielder Pete Alonso and wife Haley, hosted the second annual Battle for The Bay at Plant High School on Sunday.
Baseball and softball players ages 12-16 participated in the youth home run derby with some current and former professional baseball players supporting their efforts. Those players included Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena, and pitchers Shane McClanahan and Ryan Pepiot.
This year the Alonso Foundation plans to refurbish fields and supply needed equipment to Interbay Little League as part of the organization’s efforts to give back to the community.
“I love seeing the bright, young talents of Tampa Bay,” Alonso said about the youth competition. “Baseball and softball is a tradition that’s woven into the fabric of the city.”
Audrey Mathews, 12, connects during her at-bat in the home run derby at Pete Alonso’s Battle for the Bay at Plant High in Tampa on Sunday.
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From left: Miyah Davis, 15, Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena, Ava Lavarvera, 15, and Isabela Dominguez, 15, pose for a picture. [ IVY CEBALLO | Times ]
Mets outfielder Harrison Bader takes a photo of himself when he played for the Yankees to autograph for a fan. [ IVY CEBALLO | Times ]
Ava Lavarvera, 15, left, high-fives teammate Raven Parker, 15, after she participated in the home run derby.
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Pete Alonso holds Muffin, a two-month-old chihuahua, during his annual fundraiser.
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Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena shakes hands with pitcher Ryan Pepiot while greeting his fellow pro players. [ IVY CEBALLO | Times ]
Neriah Mayas, 8, smiles during the Battle for the Bay. [ IVY CEBALLO | Times ]
Pete Alonso presents a plaque to parks and recreation director Tony Mulkey. [ IVY CEBALLO | Times ]
Team Tampa softball players share a moment before participating in the home run derby. [ IVY CEBALLO | Times ]
Ivy Ceballo is a staff photographer. Reach her at [email protected].
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