MILWAUKEE >> Waipahu's Gregory Severino didn't walk away from the All-Star Home Run Derby with $250,000, but did get a few new friends and an appreciation for the sport. Waipahu man
had stake in derbyStar-Bulletin staff
Severino was on the field in Miller Park hoping Torii Hunter could win the contest and earn him money toward a new house in Century 21's Home Run Derby contest.
But it was Jason Giambi who overcame a dazzling display of longballs by Sammy Sosa early in the derby and easily won 7-1 in the final last night.
Erin Stock of Ebensburg, Pa., won $250,000 toward a new house as part of a Century 21 promotion that went along with Giambi's Derby win.
Hunter only hit three dingers and did not advance out of the first round, but did not leave Severino disappointed.
"He did all right for it, being his first time," Severino said. "Other people did worse. It was a great experience, we (girlfriend Quenna Johnson and 11-month old son David Maximus) are going to remember this for a long time."
Severino was not a baseball fan when he landed in Milwaukee, but will leave the town converted, thanks to new friends named Steve Garvey and Harmon Killebrew.