Pitcher Nat Lesnicki?

In my previous times in the Loyola Ramblers Home Run Derby, my pitcher always was one of the assistant coaches.

This time, my pitcher was Loyola infielder Nat Lesnicki. Always one of my favorites, Nat joked with me a bit before we took our places. On a side note, in games, each Rambler gets specific cheers from her teammates. Nat's cheer is my favorite. "More Nat, Less Nicki!" It's clever and funny.

The versatile junior from Plainfield has started 129 games in her three seasons, playing 146 total. She has improved with each season. She even added a little pop in her bat this season, belting three homers.

Anyway, Nat tossed ten pitches at me and I hit most solidly. Unfortunately, my production was more suited for a game and not a home run derby. In a game, I would have had doubles. In a derby, I had nothing. lol

Still, it is all good fun. The players are familiar with e from covering the team. They all cheered loudly with each of my swings and I got high-fives walking from the field. 

If that isn't enough, it benefits Cal's Angels, Chicagoland's Leading Pediatric Cancer Foundation. That is reason enough to step to the plate..

Nat Lesnicki and me in Chicago, IL-April 2026.

Loyola Home Run Derby

Every year, I enter the Loyola Ramblers Home Run Derby. Benefitting Cal's Angels, it is a lot of fun, as well as helping a great cause.

Cal's Angels is a pediatric cancer foundation granting wishes, raising pediatric cancer awareness, and funding research to help kids fighting cancer. In 2005, 12-year old Cal Sutter was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Cal lost his battle in 2006, but his memory lives on with Cal's Angels.

This year's Home Run Derby took place after an afternoon doubleheader between Loyola and George Washington University. After winning the first game, Loyola had to come back from a 4-0 deficit by scoring four runs in the bottom of the seventh. The game went into extra innings, with Loyola finally winning it in the tenth inning.

It was a long and cold day, with temperatures in the 40s. Still, I was not to be denied.

Loyola infielder Nat Lesnicki was my pitcher. We chatted a bit and took a picture before I approached the plate. This was probably my worst production in any of the derbies. I hit a few line drives, but nothing near a home run in my ten pitches. A tad disappointed, but not really bothered, I headed back to the dugout where a few players and former players cheered for me. Obviously, they were being nice, but that made my day.

I appreciate all the kindness shown to me by Loyola. For more info on the Ramblers, go to loyolaramblers.com. Also, check calsangels.org to learn more about that great charity.

Nat Lesnicki and me in Chicago, IL-April 2026.