Patriots’ Richardson in High School Home Run Derby finals
Photo: Lewisburg’s Sam Richardson holds the trophy after Lewisburg’s 11-0 victory over Gulfport to win the MHSAA 6A state title. Richardson competes in Monday night’s High School Home Run Derby finals. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
A DeSoto County baseball player is on the big stage Monday night, when Lewisburg’s Sam Richardson competes for the championship of the High School Home Run Derby, part of the Major League Baseball All-Star Week activities in Seattle, Washington.
Richardson, who was part of the Lewisburg Patriots 6A state championship team this spring, competed Saturday at T-Mobile Park, where he led everyone taking part with 25 home runs.
P.J. Morlando of South Carolina was second with 24. The two are in the final round Monday night ahead of the MLB Home Run Derby. Both are considered prospects for the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft. The High School Derby is held ahead of the MLB Home Run Derby and is broadcast on the MLB Network.
Four years ago, another top prospect from DeSoto County was in the High School Home Run Derby and Blaze Jordan, now playing in the Boston Red Sox organization, won the event.
Tuesday, July 11 is the All-Star Game with Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley, who played high school baseball at DeSoto Central and helped the Jaguars win a state championship, playing in his second All-Star Game.
In Monday’s finals, it was Morlando who edged Richardson for the championship. Each hitter was given 60 seconds to hit out as many home runs as possible and Morlando beat Richardson 8-7.
