On Sunday the best players of the German Baseball-Bundesliga met in a rainy Bonn for the Home Run Derby and All Star Game. The North won the game 6-3, getting some payback for last year’s blowout loss in Paderborn. About 800 people witnessed the game at the Rheinaue. Doubles by Moritz Buttgereit (SOL) and Eric Krysiak (HSV) highlighted the North’s early surge for a 3-0 lead. BJ Roper-Hubbert’s (BON) two-run single in the seventh made it 5-1 and practically sealed the deal.
The South made things interesting in the ninth, bringing the tying run to the plate. But a couple of groundouts by James McOwen (HEI) and Ludwig Glaser (REG) ended the game without much drama. Brian Fields (HAA) and Charley Olson (BON) were the two starting pitchers. Afterwards Florian Nehring (BON) was named MVP, Olson best pitcher and Chris Beck (STU) best batter.
Prior to the game the Home Run Derby took place with Hamburg’s Brent Buffa (HSV) claiming first place with five home runs in three rounds. Spenser Payne (HOM) finished in second, Beck in third. Curiously also Payne threw to Beck during the derby.
Home Run Derby and All Star Game were broadcasted live by Legionaere TV and even saw some recognition on Twitter by Baseball America’s editor John Manuel. Both events are already available as Video on Demand.