Home Run Derby set for Fourth of July

The Ely Baseball Association along with Young Life is sponsoring a Home Run Derby on the fourth of July.The public is invited to watch present and past Ely and Iron Range players compete for the title of “Home Run Champion.”Among those already signed up to compete is Josh Mathson, the Ely Legion and Babbitt-Embarrass-Soudan-Tower high school player who set the all-time Minnesota record for home runs (32) in high school baseball.The competition is open to anyone and there is a $5 fee to participate.The competition will be scored on a points system, with points awarded for balls that reach a marked off area in the outfield, and for balls that clear the fence.The champion will receive a trophy and other prizes.Gates open at 5 p.m. and the competition is set to start at 5;30.Gate admission is $2 with all proceeds to benefit Ely youth baseball and Young Life.Entry forms for the competition will be available this week at the Ely Dairy Queen and Ely Echo.