Summer league sluggers launch homers into Lake Michigan

It’s a new era for home run-hitting contests, and we’re not just talking about the faster paced and infinitely more exciting Home Run Derby format in Major League Baseball.

We’re talking about a pitcher not only entering the Japanese League’s annual Home Run Derby, but actually winning it. Perhaps that’s a sign of things to come in MLB?

Beyond that though, we’re talking about contests being taken to unique locations, such as the California League holding its derby on the U.S.S. Midway in San Diego. That decision may have inspired another league to take its Home Run Derby from the conventional surroundings of a baseball stadium to the lakefront in Wisconsin.

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On Tuesday, the Northwoods League held its annual Home Run Derby on the shores of Lake Michigan, where players launched bombs deep into the bright blue water.

The foul poles and outfield wall are set! We are ready for the #NWL Home Run Derby at the Harbor presented by Kenosha News. #homerunderby #kingfish

A photo posted by Kenosha Kingfish (@kenosha_kingfish) on Jul 18, 2016 at 2:40pm PDT

The NWL is a college summer league based in the Midwest. The host team for the event was the Kenosha Kingfish, and it was won by their own slugger Marty Bechina, who finished with a total of six home runs.

Tonight on @CBS58 take a closer look at the incredible @NWLbaseball home run derby at Lake Michigan @KenoshaKingfish pic.twitter.com/FgqwxnBhMK

— Scott Grodsky (@ScottGrodsky) July 19, 2016

Understandably, the event didn’t feature the same star-power or the firepower we’re using to seeing in a Home Run Derby, but it still appeared to be a big hit. Several photos show a large gathering at the Harbor in Kenosha, which suggests the Kingfish hit a home run themselves by organizing the event.

What an incredible turnout for the Northwoods League Home Run Derby here at the Harbor in Kenosha! Music by Bella Cain and fireworks still to come! #homerunderby #kingfish #NWL #kenosha

A photo posted by Kenosha Kingfish (@kenosha_kingfish) on Jul 18, 2016 at 5:09pm PDT

That’s actually a beautiful scene that will hopefully help inspire more creative thinking and locations when it comes to future contests.

Obviously, anything on the water works pretty well. We’re sure some cities though could surprise us with other venues that would blow our minds and make us wonder what fun we’ve been missing out.   

BLS H/N: Cut 4

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!

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