McDowall wins WCBL All-Star Game Home Run Derby for his grandma

Fort McMurray Giants slugger Peyton McDowall won the WCBL Home Run Derby at Seaman Stadium. He dedicated his win to his late grandma, Virginia, who passed away just days ago. Photo: Ian Wilson, Alberta Dugout Stories

July 20, 2024

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

OKOTOKS, Alta. - An emotional Peyton McDowall won the Western Canadian Baseball League All-Star Game Home Run Derby on Saturday and dedicated the win to his grandma.

The Fort McMurray Giants infielder belted six home runs in the final round of the derby, one more than Saskatoon Berries slugger Carter Beck (Carnduff, Sask.) and Moose Jaw Miller Express slugger Austin Gurney (Campbell River, B.C).

McDowall dedicated the derby win to his grandmother, Virginia, who died just days ago.

“She lived in Oregon. She was a retired police officer and the past couple of years have been kind of tough. She was on oxygen,” said McDowall after the derby. “But she was a great woman. She loved horses and I recently went to the horse show and [Calgary] Stampede and I teared up a little bit. And I was getting a little teary-eyed at the end there [of the derby], I realize she couldn’t see, but I thought she’s looking down on me.”

“It’s probably the best thing I could do,” added an emotional McDowall when asked what it meant to dedicate his derby win to her. “We lived so far apart. She lived in Oregon and I lived in Texas, so I never got a lot of time. But it’s probably the best thing I could do for her.”

McDowall’s uncle, Robbie, who works in Aidrie, Alta., was in the crowd at the Home Run Derby to cheer him on.

McDowall had eight home runs in the first round to advance directly to finals to represent the East Division. Meanwhile Edmonton Prospects slugger Zach Barnao and Lethbridge Bulls two-way player Jack Kalisky had to endure two tiebreakers (five swings each) before Barnao advanced to become the second East Division finalist.

“I think that helped me too because . . . it just gassed the other guys out,” said McDowall of the tiebreakers.

His college and Giants teammate, Gage Ninness, was his pitcher.

Heading into the derby, McDowell, who attends Oklahoma Sciences and Arts and hails from Cibalo, Texas, was batting .374 with four home runs and 21 RBIs in 21 games with the Giants this season.

Complete Home Run Derby Results