SAN DIEGO -- Something blasted off the USS Midway Museum for the first time in years Thursday. Minor league batters from the Lake Elsinore Storm spent the morning blasting what would be home runs into San Diego Bay.
It was a test run for the Minor League Home Run Derby that is planned for the museum’s flight deck June 20, ahead of a Minor League All Star game in Lake Elsinore the following night.
Seaforth Boat Rentals of San Diego was hired by the Storm to shag flies in San Diego Bay.
“We’ve done a lot of crazy things,” said Kurtz. “I think this is the first time for shagging baseballs.”
It was a first for the players as well.
“I’ve been in the game a long time and this is probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever been a part of,” said Storm Clubhouse Manager Terrance Tucker.
It was especially cool for Storm Second Baseman River Stevens. His father-in-law, who he has known since childhood, served aboard Midway when it was still active.
“He was in the Navy for 22 years and actually called this ship his home for years,” said Stevens.
On the day of the Derby, San Diego Harbor Police said they would create a safe perimeter for the balls landing in the bay. Seaforth would be in charge of retrieving the balls that will sink after approximately two minutes.
“You can’t buy that kind of advertising,” said Kurtz.
