The gates at Dutchess Stadium will open at 5 p.m. and the event kicks off with a home run derby, followed by the All-Star game at 7 p.m. As well, the home run derby will be open to the public — any spectator confident enough to take some swings is welcome. The entry fee, however, is a $20 donation.
Funds raised through the 3 Up 3 Down Organization grants will be presented to youth baseball/softball leagues in the Town of Poughkeepsie, the City of Poughkeepsie, Beekman, the Town of Wappinger, East Fishkill and the Town of Kent. Each of the organizations went through a grant application process in the spring.
The City of Poughkeepsie already received its grant: $2,500 for a batting cage and equipment in April, Stockfield said. The league also had gotten a $5,000 grant from SportsNet New York, the television network, back in May.
Green Chimneys, The Anderson Center for Autism, and FRAXA Research Foundation are the charity organizations that will be receiving donations.
The All-Star game will pit the HVMSBL’s 35-and-over division against its 18-and-over stars. Of the league’s 400 players, Stockfield said, 40 will participate in this game. The league has been around since 1988 and this will be its fifth consecutive All-Star game, but its first without an admission fee.
Stockfield said the event drew about 500 people last year but this time, with no charge, he hopes it will attract over 1,500.
The rosters include several former local high school and collegiate players, including Jake Slate (Arlington High School) and Clint Boettcher, who played at SUNY New Paltz.
Poughquag’s Todd Tortorici led Arlington to its only baseball state championship in 1987.
“Baseball has been an important part of my life,” said Stockfield, 46, who has played in the league since 1996 and became its president two years ago. “I think we need to do what we can to help the game and the kids playing it.”
The league also will honor former local stars Barry Zehnbauer and Jim Petrosino (Roy C. Ketcham) and Steve Aurigemma (Marlboro), who are being inducted into the HVMSL Hall of Fame.
Free hot dogs, cotton candy and water will be available to the first 500 fans at the ballpark. Children will be given complimentary Wiffle ball bats.
All local youth leagues are encouraged to attend the game, Stockfield said. The league with the most players in attendance will receive a $500 grant.
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4