Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
The gold balls used in the State Farm Home Run Derby on Monday will be just that — made with one panel infused with actual 24-karat gold leather.
The special balls are put into play once a batter is down to his final out in each round of the derby.
They were crafted by Rawlings and Gold Sport Collectibles with an MSRP of $149.99 each, providing a particularly valuable keepsake for any fan who is lucky enough to snag one in the Chase Field stands.
In addition to their individual value, the balls have a particular significance to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. For each gold ball home run hit throughout the derby, State Farm and Major League Baseball will combine to donate $18,000 to the organization. That figure represents the 18,000 State Farm agents in the U.S. and Canada.
State Farm will also donate $3,000 to the organization for each non-gold ball home run hit in the event.
The derby will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Radio in the U.S. beginning at 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET) on Monday. The AL team, led by captain David Ortiz (Red Sox), includes Jose Bautista (Blue Jays), Robinson Cano (Yankees) and Adrian Gonzalez (Red Sox). The NL squad is led by captain Prince Fielder (Brewers), along with Matt Holliday (Cardinals), Matt Kemp (Dodgers) and Rickie Weeks (Brewers).
WRITTEN BY Joey Nowak is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @joeynowak & FULL STORY HERE
