Lassi takes first Home Run Derby

Cory Lassi showed off his power on the Fourth of July and won Ely’s first Home Run Derby.Lassi, a 2004 graduate of Ely Memorial High School and a member of Ely’s American Legion baseball team, topped a field of more than 30 participants - including Legion teammate and Minnesota high school baseball home run king Josh Mathson.In the final round, Lassi had 12 points to Mathson’s 11.Lassi, Mathson, Tim Scott, Josh Weckman and Ely high school baseball coach Frank Ivancich advanced to the finals.The competition was 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.Mathson actually had the most home runs in the event, including three in the first round and one in the finals, but Lassi had four three-point hits in the finals while Mathson had a homer (five points) and two three-pointers.Lassi received a trophy and four tickets to a Minnesota Twins game.The event, sponsored by the Ely Baseball Association, attracted many former Ely baseball players including Mike Turnbull, Larry Grahek, Jim Erzar, Terry Kuzma, Jim Grahek, Mike Petrich and Steve Thom.