“It might be. It could be. It is! Home run!” That was the way late Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Caray called home runs in Chicago for so many years. If Caray was at Loyola’s Hoyne Park on Saturday, he would have broken out that call for one important homer.

Every year during Loyola’s softball season, there is a home run derby. Former Ramblers and fans swing for the fences. This year was one of the biggest turnouts, as about 40 would-be sluggers attempted to go yard.

This was my third year participating. In the two previous years, I failed to clear the fence. I came close a few times, falling just short.

A Loyola doubleheader preceded the derby. Loyola took both games to raise the season record to 22–20. Loyola won the first game 6–1 behind a pitching gem from Peyton Pepkowski. The Ramblers won a 3–2 thriller in the second game, scoring the winning run in the seventh inning.

Then it was time for the derby. It was a chilly 45 degrees with a strong wind coming in from right field. Several Ramblers wished me luck when it was my turn. When the first ball was pitched, I took my stride and aimed for the left field wall, about 205 feet away.

Peyton Pepkowski

Jocelyn Currie

As bat connected with ball, I knew I got all of it but just hoped it was enough. I watched it sail and barely clear the fence. It took three years and about 35 pitches, but I finally achieved my goal. The Ramblers cheered as a huge smile crossed my face (thanks to Loyola infielder Jocelyn Currie for that picture).

I stuck around as the rest of the batters took their turns. The highlight was watching Loyola Coach Alicia Abbott take swings, showing her team she still has it.

— John Wroblewski, online writer