2026 Regi Martin Memorial Home Run Derby

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The SMBA Home Run Derby is dedicated to the memory of the Honorable Regi Martin (1959–2023). Whip smart, super athlete, fun, fabulous, family court commissioner. Gone way, way too soon.

June 23, 2026 – Little Free Library Field, Mothers Brewery Backyard

The Derby was originally slated for the west field, home turf for all 31 games of the 2026 season. Advantages of the west field: no parking-lot or pedestrian distractions, fewer obstacles, and no Little Free Library patrons getting beaned mid-game. Disadvantages: home runs sail onto private property, never to be seen again — and we're down to our last few balls. Oral argument was heard, considered, and granted in favor of relocating the Derby. Motion to move carried. Field rotated 180 degrees, equipment lugged 50 feet. Justice was served.

Rules: Each batter gets 10 outs — anything that doesn't clear the fence is an out. Swing big or go home.

Round One – Ten hitters face off to whittle the field down to four finalists, via a process that is good-natured, mildly confusing, and as efficient as a continuance.

Tonight's Lineup

Scott Skocy — Gideon's Soldiers

Joseph Reid — McGlovens

Cameron Beaver — DOJ Turkeys

Doug Reynolds — Benchwarmers

Alec Martinez — Benchwarmers

Andy Hosmer — Appealables

Josh Christensen — Appealables

Ben Stringer — Usual Suspects

Kenzie Hatman — Benchwarmers

Alden Smith — Benchwarmers

Round One Matchups:

Skocy v Reid, Beaver v Reynolds, Martinez v Hosmer, Christensen v Stringer, Hatman v Smith

Skocy v Reid.

Skocy steps up to "Party Hard" — thanks for the perspective check. Reid counters with "Enter Sandman," which feels about right. Sleepy start all around; first matchup ends scoreless, 0–0.

Beaver v Reynolds.

The season's top two sluggers go bat-to-bat. Beaver steps in to "Whoomp! There It Is," and — there it is — gone on the first pitch. Five more leave the yard before he's done. Reynolds walks up to a fittingly named "Thunderstruck," looking a little stunned and disoriented after pitching and playing three straight games tonight. He musters one. Beaver advances.

Martinez v Hosmer.

2026 reigning derby champ Alec Martinez steps in to "Your Love," and he is clearly feeling it, sending balls deep despite having pitched and played all evening — four home runs. Hosmer walks up to "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" after letting the Wiffle Ball Commissioner pick his song. Risky call. Equally risky: Hosmer has perfected the art of sending balls just shy of home run territory. He finally connects with one that clips the top of the chain link and tips over for his lone homer. Martinez advances.

Christensen v Stringer.

This one doesn't generate much heat, but the soundtrack delivers. Christensen steps up to "Tubthumping" ("I get knocked down, but I get up again"), and Stringer follows with "Titi Me Pregunto." Vibes: immaculate. Stringer advances with one home run.

Hatman v Smith.

First Derby appearance on the historic field for both. Scoreless, 0–0. Strong appreciation noted for the late addition of hip-hop and gangsta rap to the playlist (exhibit attached below).

And that raps — and wraps — Round One. Beaver, Martinez, and Stringer advance. Which leaves us one batter short. The math doesn't add up, but neither does most of this Derby.

Round One and a Half — Hit-off:

Hosmer v Reynolds

Reynolds steps up and requests a ruling from the Commissioner/Reporter/DJ: "Crank the tunes" — translation, don't cut the music mid-at-bat. Granted. We are so Thunderstruck we lose count of his home runs. However, we are lawyers and therefore logical, and infer that he hit zero to one, because Hosmer, with two, advances. Good season, Reynolds — we salute your batting, fielding, and passion. Case closed.

As we head into Round Two, quick shoutout to our volunteer ball retriever, Ty Harden, spotted peering over the brick fence as daylight fades. Appreciate your service — and your ability to field foul balls with a beer in hand. Multitasking at its most enjoyable.

Round Two match-ups:

Beaver v Hosmer, Martinez v Stringer

Beaver v Hosmer.

Beaver efficiently launches five more into the record books. Hosmer counters with three, including another signature fence-skimmer. Beaver advances.

Martinez v Stringer.

Martinez burns through his first five pitches before a relief pitcher steps in. Stringer gallantly takes the mound for the opposition – and goes down with integrity intact - five to one. Martinez advances.

Final Round:

Beaver v Martinez

Showdown of the titans. Turkeys' team captain Cameron Beaver — the season's home run leader — versus Benchwarmers' captain Alec Martinez, the defending champ.

Beaver steps up. Brief delay — Ty appears to have gone home. Balls gathered from field. Ty spotted. He is still on the other side of the cinder block wall, it’s just getting hard to see him as the field goes properly dark. Play resumes, and Beaver does not disappoint: three more sail well over the block wall.

Martinez steps in. First pitch goes into orbit. A few outs, then another homer, then another. We have a tie atop the leaderboard. Two pitches left. No matter what, this one just got exciting! Next pitch: strike. One more chance. You can hear a pin drop. Everybody's holding their breath. Can he do it? YES — UP, UP AND OVER THE CHAIN LINK. WALK-OFF HOME RUN DERBY CHAMPIONSHIP. Martinez retains the title. All rise – with elation! What a way to end the season!

Final Derby Standings

Alec Martinez

Cameron Beaver

Ben Stringer

Andy Hosmer

Your 2026 Home Run Derby Playlist — Relive the Glory

"Your Love" – The Outfield (Alec Martinez)

"Whoomp! There It Is" – Tag Team (Cameron Beaver)

"Titi Me Pregunto" – Bad Bunny (Ben Stringer)

"Party Hard" – Andrew W.K. (Scott Skocy)

"Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" (Judge Hosmer)

"Thunderstruck" – AC/DC (Doug Reynolds)