HONESDALE — The future of Wayne County hardball was on display recently when boys and girls from all over the area turned out to compete in the 2024 Phillies Home Run Derby.
This year's edition of the event was sponsored by the Honesdale Area Jaycees and attracted more than 50 sluggers to the Factory Field in White Mills.
And, while every batter enjoyed a moment or two in the spotlight, one talented young slugger stood head and shoulders above the rest … even though he stands less than 5-foot.
Swinging from the heels
David Hartung is 8 and heading into third grade at Lakeside Elementary. He's the son of Dave and Nicole Hartung of Dyberry Township.
David is a diehard fan of Pete Alonso and the New York Mets. He's been playing organized baseball in the Wayne Highlands Little League since the age of 4, suiting up with the Bulls, Pirates and now (appropriately enough) with the Brady Stone & Landscaping Mets.
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David is a versatile member of the team, seeing time in centerfield, on the mound and at first base. And while he's solid with the glove, it's at the plate that he truly shines, striking fear into the hearts of the opposition each time he digs in.
David has used several different bats over the course of his career, but right now he favors a 28-inch, 18-ounce Easton Havoc.
Back on June 4, David swung that bat to devastating effect in the boys 7-8 age bracket at the local level of the Phillies Home Run Derby. After 10 swings, he'd piled up enough points to finish in first place and earn a berth at the regional competition.
That event took place on Aug. 11 in Walnutport and brought together players from all over eastern Pennsylvania.
It was David's third trip to regionals and this time he took no prisoners. Four batters had already completed their round when David stepped up. To that point in the contest, the top score was 13 points.
Points are awarded based upon how far the ball travels when hit. A ground ball is worth one point, while a flyball is two and a home run is five.
David obliterated the previous high score, piling up 25 points to take a commanding lead.
“The ball comes in pretty fast, so I was just trying to keep my swing level,” David said. “I was a little nervous, but then when I hit my first one, I wasn't nervous anymore.”
After that, it became a waiting game.
“I was kind of worried because one of the other kids was really good,” David said. “I was nervous when it was his turn, but he only got to 23 so I won.”
On the big stage
Next up is a trip to Citizen's Bank Park on Aug. 31. The finals will be held before a 7:15 pm game between the Phillies and Braves.
David isn't intimidated by the thought of competing at a Major League stadium. In fact, he and his dad have already seen several pro teams including the Mets, Red Sox, Orioles and Phillies. Next up is a trip to Toronto for a Blue Jays game before his date with destiny in the City of Brotherly Love.
“I know it's going to be hard because the higher you go, the more competition you have,” David said. “I'm just looking to have fun and do the best I can.”
Community support
Ernie Griffis is the head coach of Honesdale High School's varsity baseball team. He's guided the Hornets to four consecutive appearances in the District 2 tournament and is always on the lookout for talented young players.
And so, when Griffis heard about David's accomplishments, he was quick to offer congratulations.
“The whole Honesdale baseball community would like to wish David good luck as he moves on to Philadelphia,” Griffis said. “We hope that David continues with his love for the game and hits some of those home runs for the Hornets one day.”
Stephanie Schuman is vice president of the Jaycees. She helped organize the local Phillies Home Run Derby and is very excited to see David advance all the way to Philadelphia.
“We are so proud of David for placing first at regionals and moving on to the finals,” she said. “This is such an exciting opportunity for a young baseball player to have. Congratulations and good luck!”
For his part, David is grateful to everyone who's supported him during his three-year journey.
“I just want to say thank you to my family for helping me and everybody else that coached me and made me love baseball so much,” David said.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Local slugger David Hartung advances to the finals of the 2024 Phillies Home Run Derby
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