Florida Softball Stars Ready to Smash Records at MLB Home Run Derby X

Salt Lake City, UT, USA - Excitement is in the air as Major League Baseball (MLB) broadens its horizons and ventures into the world of softball! The MLB Home Run Derby X competition is set to showcase not just power hitting but also the stellar skills of some of the brightest stars from collegiate softball. The Florida Gators will be well represented this summer with three illustrious players: Jocelyn Erickson, Taylor Shumaker, and Amanda Lorenz, all of whom have made their mark in the sport.

Jocelyn Erickson, the catcher for the Gators, heads to Atlanta this weekend to kick off the competition. Having just snagged her second consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove Award, Erickson is not only a defensive standout but also a force at the plate, boasting an impressive career fielding percentage of .995. Her statistics over the last two seasons speak volumes: a .344 batting average with 30 home runs and 145 RBIs makes her a player to watch. This remarkable performance led to her placement on the 2025 NFCA All-Gulf Region Third Team, showing just how valuable she is to her squad reports SI.com.

Rising Stars

Taylor Shumaker, the sophomore who shone last season, brings her own accolades to the mix, having been named to the 2025 All-SEC First Team and earning NFCA Freshman of the Year honors. With a batting average of .389 and a staggering 86 RBIs, placing second in the country in that category, Shumaker is a player who definitely has the chops for this competition. It’s hard not to admire her positive impact on the field!

Amanda Lorenz, a recognizable name in softball, also joins the lineup. With her past as the 2019 SEC Player of the Year and the second overall pick in the NPF draft, her experience speaks for itself. Currently playing for the Volts in the AUSL, she carries a career batting average of .407—quite impressive! During her time at Florida, Lorenz was a key player, accumulating significant career records in batting average, on-base percentage, and runs scored according to FloridaGators.com.

Competition Format

The Home Run Derby X adopts a fresh twist on traditional baseball, utilizing a 3-on-3 format that emphasizes teamwork and skillful play. Each team, comprised of two MLB players and one female softball player, faces off in a fast-paced, 30-minute showdown that incorporates elements from baseball games. Players get 2 minutes and 30 seconds to hit, earning points for home runs as well as defensive catches. There’s even a chance to score bonus points by hitting targets in center field! How exciting is that?

The competition includes seven stops across the country, culminating in the finals scheduled for September 19-20 in Salt Lake City, UT. Following Atlanta, Shumaker and Lorenz will showcase their talents in Des Moines on August 30 and Oklahoma City on August 23, respectively states Yahoo Sports.

These three Florida Gators are poised to make their mark as they step into the spotlight of the Home Run Derby X, blending the worlds of baseball and softball into a thrilling showcase of athletic prowess. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just looking for some lively entertainment, this competition promises to deliver something for everyone. After all, it’s not every day that you get to see great talents clash on the field! Tune in as they swing for the fences!