Aug. 20, 2008

TROY, N.Y. - Four of the eight participants combined to hit a total of five home runs in the New York-Penn League All-Star Game Home Run Derby, but it was former University of Memphis slugger Adam Amar who emerged victorious, hitting two blasts in the one-round contest at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy, N.Y.

"It was a great honor to be selected to participate in the Home Run Derby with the best home run hitters in the league," Amar said. "The conditions weren't great with the wind blowing in as hard as it was, but it was a great experience to get the trophy and be named the 2008 New York-Penn League Home Run Derby champion."

Amar hit seventh in the eight-man field. After four outs, the 6-4 Lake Mary, Fla., native, connected for his first homer. He fought strong winds and broke the four-way tie with his second blast just three swings later.

The designated hitter/first baseman for the Auburn Doubledays (Toronto Blue Jays), Amar leads ranks among the New York-Penn League's top home run hitters, with nine. He ranks third in league with a.337 batting average. He ranks among the top five players in the NYPL in total bases, hits, slugging, on base percentage and doubles.

As for the game, the National League All-Stars scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth to complete a 4-3 win over Amar and the National League All-Stars. Amar went 0-for-2 in a reserve role in the game.