September 13, 2009 - San Diego, CA - The Long Haul Bombers paraded into Petco Park for the second time this season, but this time there were more nerves and the stakes were higher. This was the site for the 2009 Stadium Power Tour finals. Not only was the title of "Home Run Champion" on the line, but also the grand prize - a side-by-side Polaris Ranger RZR. The finals were the thirteenth stop for the top four Long Haul Bombers, who accumulated the most points during the previous twelve home run derbies.
The Bombers hit in the following order, as chosen by themselves:
1. Denny Crine, Team Miken
2. Jeff Hall, Team Worth
3. Brett Helmer, Team Easton
4. Brian Wegman, Team Easton
Three of the four manufacturers were present, making it a breeding ground for trash talking and game playing before the derby. "The big man has been dominating this season, but I'm ready," said Jeff Hall to Denny Crine. "I've had a good run lately. He had better watch out!" Crine was last year's champion and was looking for a repeat performance.
Brett Helmer recalled that scene from last season, as he was just one home run away from winning it himself. "Denny and I tied at the finals last year, and it came down to a hit-off," explained Helmer. Last year, both Bombers hit their first two pitches but not out of the park. Then Helmer hit a bomb into the stands behind right field. "I thought the title was mine, but the ball was called foul. It was heart breaking," said Helmer. Both each hit another, but neither were homeruns. Finally, Denny Crine smashed a ball into the stands and was instantly the 2008 champion. It was an exciting finish to last year, but Helmer was looking for first place and wouldn't settle for second.
As always, each hitter was given 15 swings to hit as many out of the park as possible. Crine started strong with a score of 11. He was followed by Hall who also started strong, hitting 9 home runs out of 10 swings. He had 5 swings remaining to hit 2 to tie or 3 to jump to the lead. Unfortunately, Hall choked and couldn't get the ball in the air. His finals score was 9 home runs. "I'm disappointed. I went 9 for 10 and thought I could do it. But I choked. I'm not upset, though. It was a great season, and I'm glad I was a part of it. You better bet you'll see me hitting here next year!"
Helmer stepped up to the plate next, looking to settle the score from last year. Unfortunately, he couldn't do it. He tallied 9 home runs, tying Jeff Hall for second. "I'm disappointed, but I gave a solid performance. Nine is a good score, but it wasn't enough to win it," said Brett.
Last up was Wegman who hit 6 of his first 8 into the stands. But Wegman couldn't catch Crine either. He accumulated 9 home runs total, tying Hall and Helmer for second. "We couldn't catch him!" said Wegman of Denny Crine, "But he deserves it. Denny led in scoring the whole season. The best man won."
There were many congratulations, laughs and more trash talking after the event wrapped. The Bombers are looking forward to an off-season, but already have their sights set on next year. "This year, the bar was raised yet again," said veteran Brett Helmer. "Every year the guys get better and better. This year, you had to consistently score in the double-digits in order to get in the finals. Next year it may take 13's and 14's to get you in there. It's amazing."
In addition to winning the title of "Home Run Champion, Denny Crine also won the Manufacturer's Cup along with his Team Miken teammate Geno Buck. The Manufacturer's Cup was awarded to the team with the most home runs during the regular season.
