2025 Home Town Bats Home Run Derby Benefits Jacob Bongers

For 9 years now, the Union Hill Ballpark has been home to the Home Town Bats Home Run Derby. Each year, a recipient is selected as the honoree of this special event. In effort to raise money for medical care and other needs, the community shows up in a big way.

Jacob’s Story

Excerpt courtesy of Home Town Bats:

Jacob is a 12-year-old boy who enjoys superheros, legos, ninja turtles, art, and drawing. Superman and Dead Pool are his absolute favorite! On November 19, 2021, he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Just four days later, he had brain surgery followed by 30 rounds of proton beam radiation and six months of intense chemotherapy. Jacob finished treatment in August 2022 and then closely monitored with routine scans every three months to make sure the scans remained clear. He made it to a year and a half of clear scans!

Then came March 4, 2024 – Jacob had a scan that morning that revealed the news his family worried about with every scan. His cancer had returned. Jacob restarted chemotherapy in March 2024 and scans every three months to monito if the chemo was working. In February 2025, Jacob’s scans showed some of the cancer spots were gone and others had shrunk, meaning the treatment was working!

Jacob continues to receive IV chemo at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. He is a true superhero who amazes all that he meets with his outlook, faith, stubbornness, and sense of humor. He lives with his parents, Paul and Lorissa Bongers in Londsdale, MN. He has an older brother, Martin (14), and a younger sister, Kailey (10).

The Home Run Derby

For 9 years running, Ted Nytes of Home Town Bats alongside other community leaders have organized this Home Run derby all in efforts to support local families in need. Hosted at the Union Hill Ballpark in New Prague, Minnesota, this event continues to grow each year.

The night is filled with local food vendors, raffles, auctions, and exciting games in between each round of the home run derby aimed to raise money for the honoree and their family.

Gearing Up for Next Year

Want to get involved next year? Check out the Home Town Bats Home Run Derby page on Facebook for the latest updates and information!