Home run derby to benefit local family
By ASHLEY LUTHERN
The Caraballo family is currently battling dual cancer diagnoses.
BOARDMAN — In Boardman Community Baseball, when one family needs help, the entire organization rallies around.
Such is the case with the Caraballo family of Boardman. The Caraballos have five children who have participated, or are still participating, in the township’s local baseball program.
After learning that Jill Caraballo, mother of the children, was recently diagnosed with cancer, league coaches and supporters began organizing a home run derby to raise money for the family that is now battling dual cancer diagnoses.
Caraballo’s husband, Elvis, was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer in January.
“Elvis’ attitude is absolutely amazing. With everything that he’s got going on, I still see him volunteering to take tickets for the league. They’re just a great family,” said Dina DiVincenzo of Boardman, whose 12-year-old son, Gino, is a teammate of Michael Caraballo.
The team of 10 players that includes DiVincenzo and Caraballo already has raised more than $500 for the family, just by taking an informal collection from friends and family, she said.
“If it were any other family going through the same thing, Jill and Elvis would be the first to step up and help,” DiVincenzo said.
With the outpouring of support for the Caraballos, the baseball organization has been compared to a family of its own.
“Boardman baseball can be like a dysfunction family. It has its problems, but you see in a time like this people put everything aside and are able to come together for a member of the family,” said John Ryan, fundraiser organizer.
Preliminary rounds of the home run derby will be every night from now until Sunday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Fields of Dreams baseball complex on McClurg Road. Top contenders in each age division will compete Tuesday. Registration forms are available at the league’s office and on the Web site, www.boardmanbaseball.com, and must be turned in before competing, along with a $10 fee.
“I just came up with the home run derby idea because when it comes time for MLB All Star weekend, the main draw is always the derby. We’re going to try to make sure each kid has a chance to do well,” Ryan said.
The focus of the event, however, won’t be on the home runs, but on the Caraballo family, he said.
“The main cause is for the family. When you hear about two parents diagnosed ... it’s just very unfortunate,” said Cynthia Rogers, Boardman Baseball public relations coordinator.