by Peter Geppert

Madison, WI – July 5, 2012. Mallards outfielder Derek Fisher (Virginia) recently competed at the third annual TD Ameritrade Collegiate Home Run Derby in Omaha, Nebraska. The derby, held July 3^rd, featured eight of the premier college power hitters around the country and was coached by Heisman Trophy Winner and MLB All-Star Bo Jackson.

Fisher impressed in the first round, hitting four home runs in the notoriously pitcher friendly TD Ameritrade Park. The round would not be good enough though, as Fresno State’s Aaron Judge went on to win the competition with nine home runs in the final round.

Fisher and Judge were joined by Daniel Aldrich (College of Charleston), LB Dantzler (South Carolina), Tyler Horan (Virginia Tech), Daniel Palka (Georgia Tech), Zach Stephens (Tennessee Tech), and Mason Katz (LSU) in the event.

In addition to competing in the home run derby Fisher also picked up First Team Freshmen All-American honors from Baseball America the following day on Wednesday July 4^th. Fisher is coming off a stellar freshmen campaign in which he hit .288 with 50 RBIs while batting cleanup in the lineup for most of the season on one of the nations top teams. His eight triples this year with the Cavaliers also tied the single-season school record. Aside from Baseball America, Louisville Slugger and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association also named him to their respective Freshmen All-American teams.

So far this summer Fisher has continued his impressive year at the plate with the Mallards. In 18 games the lefty is hitting .281with one home run and five RBIs. He is also coming off a game in which he went 3-5 and stole two bases. Most impressive of all has been his eye when he’s at-bat, currently he has registered 15 walks in comparison to only six strikeouts.

The Mallards continue their series with the Express tomorrow July 6^th at the “Duck Pond”. That night will be the YP.com Quack Daddies Bobble Butt Giveaway and Stoddard’s Bratwurst Appreciation Night.

The 2012 season is upon us! Single-game tickets are on-sale for all Mallards home games!

The Madison Mallards are part of the 16-team Northwoods League.  The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate League in North America.