Collins To Represent Barons In Home Run Derby

Birmingham catcher named one of six participants in annual slugfest

Zack Collins' nine home runs rank third on the Barons. (Aaron Cheris)

June 15, 2018

The Birmingham Barons, in conjunction with the Southern League, are proud to announce the participants in the 2018 Southern League Home Run Derby, presented by Adamson Ford. The derby will take place at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19 ahead of the 46th Annual Southern League All-Star game, presented by Wind Creek Wetumpka.
Highlighting the North Division trio is Birmingham Barons catcher Zack Collins. The White Sox No. 9 prospect according to MLB.com currently has nine home runs on the season to rank ninth in the Southern League and third on the Barons.
"It's an honor. I'm very excited to do it and give my best," Collins said of his selection. "I'll try to go out there and have some fun while trying to hit as many as I can."
Joining Collins in representing the North Division are Jackson Generals sluggers Rudy Flores and Jamie Westbrook.
Currently tied for second in the Southern League with 11 home runs, Westbrook will partake in the derby during his first career All-Star appearance. Flores is just behind his teammate with 10 home runs over the season's first half.
Representing the South Division will be Mississippi Braves infielder Tyler Marlette, Pensacola Blue Wahoos outfielder Aristides Aquino, and Biloxi Shuckers outfielder Jake Gatewood.
Leading the Southern League with 13 home runs, Gatewood is ranked as the No. 17 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewers' organization. Aquino ranks as the Cincinnati Reds No. 12 prospect and has eight home runs so far. Representing the M-Braves, Marlette has six home runs in his first season in the Atlanta organization.
The Home Run Derby will pit the three sluggers from each division getting seven outs while against each other with each division competing against itself in the first round. The top hitter from each division will meet in the finals, with the winner taking home the crown of Home Run Derby Champion. The final round will either have five or 10 outs per hitter, depending on time.
Home Run Derby and All-Star Game participants are subject to change.