East Lynn star leads HR derby after first day

LYNN – The 12th Annual Lynn Little League Home Run Derby started off with a bang (or was it a ping?) Thursday at Gallagher Park in day one of the three-day event.Twelve hitters from three leagues (East Lynn, West Lynn American and Lynn Shore) did their best to wow the crowd, and judging from the numerous “oohs” and “aahs” the kids succeeded.Leadoff hitter Antonio Felix volunteered to go first and made sure he proved that “saving the best for last” is just a phrase. The 12-year-old East Lynn star blasted 15 homers to set the stage for the entire evening.”I was kind of nervous coming in, but after I hit a few I started gaining confidence. I had a lot of fun after that,” said Felix of his first derby experience.In his table setting performance, Felix launched ball after ball deep over the left field fence, including one that hit an unsuspecting family member. “I’m still not sure who I hit but it was someone in my family and I think they’re okay,” said the leader.The victory didn’t come without some nerves as Felix’s friend Jose Perez (Lynn Shore) did his best to prove that the best was indeed saved for last. The night’s final hitter blasted 13 homers, several of which were tape measure shots.”I was getting nervous at the end when Jose went, but by that point I knew I was advancing to the finals so I was happy he did great. Everyone was great today,” said Felix.Other noteworthy performances on day one came from East Lynn’s Gerald Ortega (6), West Lynn’s Lenny Ryan and Ricardo Perez (5), and Lynn Shore’s Leonardo Ramos (5).Along with Perez, Felix now awaits the top two hitters from tomorrow’s day two. The final four will face off on Sunday.Dan Gisonno, the president of Pine Hill Little League, who is in charge of the event, was very happy with the start.It was a pretty good day. A lot of hard work goes into running this so it’s good to see a big crowd turn out despite the heat,” said Gisonno.”Wyoma comes in tomorrow and they usually pack a big crowd. They got a bunch of heavy hitters and Pine Hill as well so I’m expecting an even bigger crowd,” he said.