The Home Run Derby, to be held one day before the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Denver, will have a Notre Dame flavor. That’s because Irish product and Baltimore Orioles slugger Trey Mancini is competing. What’s more, he’s inviting Irish pitching Chuck Ristano to be his personal pitcher for the event, fulfilling a promise Mancini made when the two teamed up for Mancini’s win in the 2012 Big East Home Run Derby. It’s an anecdote mention in an interview Ristano gave to MASN, which broadcasts Orioles games:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R795yg8rO0
Ristano gives plenty of insight as it pertains to Mancini’s connection with Notre Dame. Among them are Mancini completing his degree requirements at the university while he played in the minor leagues and the impact of former Irish catcher Ricky Palmer, who lost his battle with cancer whereas Mancini survived his. Most importantly, Mancini’s connection with his alma mater has not wavered in the least, and that should make all Irish fans proud.