For the last 9 years running, Home Town Bats has hosted a Home Run Derby at the Union Hill Ballpark in New Prague, in efforts to support a local family in need. This year's honoree was Jacob Bongers, a 12-year-old native of Londsdale, Minnesota. The community showed up in a big way on Saturday, June 28th to support him in his battle with Medulloblastoma.

More About Jacob's Story

Excerpt courtesy of Home Town Bats:

Jacob is a 12-year-old boy who enjoys superheros, legos, ninja turtles, art, and drawing. Superman and Dead Pool are his absolute favorite! On November 19, 2021, he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Just four days later, he had brain surgery followed by 30 rounds of proton beam radiation and six months of intense chemotherapy. Jacob finished treatment in August 2022 and then closely monitored with routine scans every three months to make sure the scans remained clear. He made it to a year and a half of clear scans!

Then came March 4, 2024 – Jacob had a scan that morning that revealed the news his family worried about with every scan. His cancer had returned. Jacob restarted chemotherapy in March 2024 and scans every three months to monito if the chemo was working. In February 2025, Jacob’s scans showed some of the cancer spots were gone and others had shrunk, meaning the treatment was working!

Jacob continues to receive IV chemo at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. He is a true superhero who amazes all that he meets with his outlook, faith, stubbornness, and sense of humor. He lives with his parents, Paul and Lorissa Bongers in Londsdale, MN. He has an older brother, Martin (14), and a younger sister, Kailey (10).

Get Involved

If you're looking for more information about this event, and future ones, check out the Home Town Bats Home Run Derby page on Facebook for the latest!