WOOLWICH TWP. — On September 28, 2011, Marine Corps Captain Ryan K. Iannelli was killed while performing combat operations in Afghanistan. A most valuable human being was lost.
Iannelli was a 2002 graduate of Kingsway Regional High School and a beloved student and athlete. Ryan’s family, parents Ken and Donna Iannelli and sister Amanda, wished to begin a scholarship in Ryan’s memory for the school he loved.
After several months of prayer, Ryan’s mother received an answer, a Home Run Derby to honor her baseball loving son. Baseball was such a passion of Ryan’s. Only his love for God and his country came before his love for the diamond.
The Iannelli’s have no doubt that Ryan is so humbly honored and proud that his Alma mater, Kingsway Regional High School, is hosting his “Home Run Derby” again this year. The opening ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. sharp.
This is a military ceremony on the field where Ryan so proudly played as a Kingsway Dragon. Kingsway has named the baseball field the Ryan K Iannelli Memorial field.
The Iannelli family is so grateful for this amazing honor they have given Ryan. The ceremony will consist of a United State Marine Corp Color Guard, National Anthem sung by Ryan’s sister Amanda Iannelli, a balloon release, and words spoken by Ryan’s coach in honor of Ryan. Also, McGuire Air Force Base has approved a fly over to honor him. May 16 is Armed Forces Day and there is hopes to have this event every year on this special day which is the Saturday before Memorial Day Weekend.
Last year there were the serious competitors and the over 55 hitters that came out to hit had fun. Everyone had a blast as they honored and remembered Ryan on the field dedicated to him where he loved playing as a Dragon.
This event encompasses other passions of Ryan’s heart as we have included carnival games for children. There will be games, prizes, fast pitch, face painting, balloon
artist/clown, music, food and fun. There will also be a raffle.
Rain date is Sunday, May 17, 2015.
There are three levels of sponsorship: Diamond Classic – $1,000.00 – Includes an individual banner with your name/company logo and your name/company mentioned throughout the event by our emcee.
Grand Slam – $500.00 – Includes a shared banner with your name/company logo and your name/company mentioned by our emcee.
Home Run level – $250.00 – Includes a shared banner with your name/company logo.
For more information to become a sponsor and to register please go to: www.ryanshomerunderby.org. Also like us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ryanshomerunderby.
