From the Florida Collegiate League website:

"Jimenez, Ezekiel Show Power on All Star Day"

"Jimenez finished third in the Home Run Derby. Lightning teammate Joe Ezekiel (Lafayette College) won it, 7-5, over Steve Sabins (Oklahoma State), a Winter Park Diamond Dawg."


"In an intriguing twist, Ezekiel wasn’t even on the All Star roster. According to him, Viola asked if Ezekiel wanted to participate and he said yes."


"He has amazing power," Viola said of Ezekiel. "We’d like to transfer it from batting practice to games."

I was at the game and Joe launched some moonshots that are still going.

Proud Mom and Dad were in the stands and received high fives from all the Leesburg Lightening fans as well as quite a few others. His future looks bright and should have a banner year next year at Lafayette.

BTW, the Viola being quoted is Joe's coach and former Cy Young winner Frank Viola.

Congrats jmepop and MOM.

Congrats to Joe and jmepop!

That is pretty cool to have Frank Viola saying those type of things about you. I imagine he has seen a power hitter or two in his day

FWIW the place they played is generally considered a pitcher's park. It is very big. Well done!

Moc

Thanks for posting. Sunday was one of the best times I have ever had watching Joe play ball. It is amazing how nervous I can get and quite honestly I was initially just hoping he would hit at least one out. When he got 6 in the first round and qualified for the final I really didn't care what happened after that and watching him hit 7 more and win was just amazing icing on the cake. They gave him an engraved trophy bat for winning and he gave it to me. I will tell you that is now a very prized possesion that will be hung on my office wall.

The real thanks should also be given to the young coach from Clermont that threw the entire derby. He was an outstanding BP pitcher with what has to be a rubber arm. There were some outstanding hitters in this derby and I am very proud of Joe for what he accomplished. For me this was one of those lifetime thrills that won't be forgotten.

quote:

Sunday was one of the best times I have ever had watching Joe play ball.

Jmepop! A HUGE congrats from PA!!!! I have a feeling Joe brings that power back up to PA this school year at Lafayette! What a fun time you must have had!

quote:

Originally posted by jmepop:
For me this was one of those lifetime thrills that won't be forgotten.

Very, very cool!!!

jmepop

congratulations to your son, a great memory for the whole family.

jmepop,
Awesome! Just awesome, I'll bet you had a blast!

Too cool...
...congratulations. I think its great he gave the trophy to you.

quote:

Originally posted by jmepop:
Moc

Thanks for posting. Sunday was one of the best times I have ever had watching Joe play ball. It is amazing how nervous I can get and quite honestly I was initially just hoping he would hit at least one out. When he got 6 in the first round and qualified for the final I really didn't care what happened after that and watching him hit 7 more and win was just amazing icing on the cake. They gave him an engraved trophy bat for winning and he gave it to me. I will tell you that is now a very prized possesion that will be hung on my office wall.

What a wonderful memory jmepop! Congratulations to your son!!

Congratulations Dad. That was so cool that he gave you the prize.

Just saw this thread...WAY TO GO JOE!

JME, I can only imagine the pride...