Former High School Standouts To Participate In Home Run Derby
On Thursday, the Albuquerque Isotopes announced the local participants that will take part in the Home Run Derby X event in August. Among those taking a swing at it include former La Cueva High School standout Andrea Howard, former St. Pius X slugger Gene Trujillo, and Los Alamos alumni Jared Mang. “It’s really exciting, I’m proud to represent my hometown and represent New Mexico baseball, and I’m honored to get this opportunity,” said Mang.
Locals Rob Stratton and Jared Gay will also take part in Home Run Derby X on Friday, August 23rd at Rio Grande Union Field at Isotopes Park. Stratton is a former Albuquerque Isotopes outfielder and current Special Education teacher at Atrisco Heritage Academy. Stratton hit 197 career home runs during his professional career and coached multiple high school baseball teams and players in the area. Gay is a graduate of Eastern New Mexico University.
Howard helped La Cueva High School win a state championship in 2017 and went on to play softball at the University of New Mexico. Howard is UNM’s all-time home run leader and played on Team Italy at the 2020 Olympic Games. In 2016, Howard hit 18 home runs for La Cueva, which is sixth all-time on the list of home runs hit in a single season in New Mexico. “At first I was a little nervous when they asked me to do it because I haven’t played since 2022, but once I started hitting again, I got really excited,” said Howard. “I’m very honored to have this opportunity.”
Mang was born in Los Alamos and played baseball for the Hilltoppers, twice being named the Gatorade New Mexico Baseball Player of the Year. Mang led Los Alamos to the state semifinals batting .559 and went 7-1 as a pitcher with a 0.80 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 52.1 innings. “Being a high school baseball player in New Mexico is an uphill battle, but just keeping your nose down and going to work has always been my mentality,” he said. Mang went on to play for the University of New Mexico and later drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 18th round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
Trujillo is a 2023 graduate of St. Pius X High School. He currently plays for the University of New Mexico baseball team. Trujillo was ranked as the #1 first baseman and #3 overall player in his high school class, according to Perfect Game. He hit 12 home runs as a senior with the Sartans. “I’d say I’m pretty good at elevating the ball,” Trujillo joked. “Hit the ball long and far, that’s all it is. I can’t wait!”
The locals will join MLB Legends Manny Ramirez, Ian Desmond, Ryan Zimmerman and Jonny Gomes in the home run competition scheduled to begin at 7:10pm on Friday, August 23rd.
