WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — It's been almost a century since New York Yankees legend Babe Ruth hit a record-breaking home run in Wilkes-Barre. The ball landed right in Kirby Park.
For years, that marker told the story of that 650-foot homerun.
Now, Visit Luzerne County wants to start a tradition so a new generation of sluggers doesn't forget that piece of history.
The county will hold the first-ever Babe Ruth "Sultan of Swat" Home Run Derby on October 12, 98 years to the day since Ruth's home run.
Visit Luzerne County Executive Director Alan Stout says, "He was at the peak of his career at this time. The prime of his career, and he's walking around the same area where we're standing right now, hitting a baseball further than he has ever done in his entire life."
The derby is not just a celebration. It will help give back. All of the money raised will go to the Geisinger Children's Miracle Network/Janet Weis Children's Hospital.
Samantha Hinkle, a development specialist for Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger, says, "Babe Ruth was always in support of the kids whether he was signing autographs, visiting them in children's hospitals."
There will be trophies for the longest home runs and an award for the most home runs. The derby will kick off with some fun by city and county officials.
Mayor George Brown says, "We'll have a challenge on who can hit the most home runs between city employees and county employees."
Spectators can watch the derby for free. There will be food and other fun.
Stout says, "We'll have hot dogs here. We're going to have Champ from the RailRiders here. That will help enhance that Babe Ruth feel that we're going for for this event."
The derby is by registration only for $35. 35 men and 35 women will be accepted. Registration is now open and it is "first come, first serve". To register, click here.