Ballpark packed for Home Run Derby

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - They were swinging for the fences Monday night at Coca-Cola Field, where the Buffalo Bisons hosted a Triple-A home run derby.

Patrons packed in to watch as some of the brightest young stars in baseball swing for the fences at the Triple-A All-Star Game Home Run Derby.

Bill Wise of West Seneca said, "I think it's awesome. It's really a treat to see talented ball players on their way up in the system. It's a nice night out with the boys and just have a good time."

Jean Martin, who's been an usher at the ballpark for 17 years, said, "I think it's fabulous. I wish I was sitting in one of the seats instead of working, but it's fun."

But before the all stars took their cuts, some familiar faces had their chance, including the Sabres' Pat Kaleta, who was able to go long.

And there was a less-than-rousing ovation for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. But the Williamsville native eventually won the crowd over hitting nine homers, including an actual big league bomb over the left field fence.

Bisons spokesman Brad Bisbing said, "Hundreds of hours by the Bisons' front office to put this event on. And as you can see, it paid off with a capacity crowd here at Coca-Cola Field. We've been meeting once a week ever since we announced it at the Hot Stove luncheon I think it was back in 2010."

"We should have a great night tonight, a great night Wednesday and it's going to be on TV markets across the country. And on Wednesday, it's going to be on the MLB Network. We have an opportunity here and the Bisons organization feels strongly to take this opportunity and put Buffalo on the sporting map and put on a great show for the rest of the country to see that we have great sports fans, we have a great ball park here in Buffalo and you should come check it out," Bisbing added.

An estimated 17,000 people were at the derby, and that number is also expected on game day on Wednesday. But with a day off in between, lots of players, their families and fans are expected to be hitting economic homeruns by staying in hotels, eating in restaurants and shopping.