CRESTVIEW — Crestview High School's current and former varsity baseball players now know what it's like to share the field.
A number of players gathered at the CHS baseball complex this week for their annual home run derby and alumni baseball game, which benefited a Crestview family.
Monday's game raised $210 for the Barefield family. Drew Barefield, 12, was seriously injured in a boating incident on Sunday and is receiving treatment in Pensacola.
Supporting the family, and having a reunion of sorts, made it a win-win night.
“It’s a lot of fun to see guys we haven’t seen in a while,” said Tim Gillis, the school’s baseball coach. “It’s neat for all of those (varsity) guys to see the alumni and meet them. It’s a fun time.”
“This is a great thing to take part in,” said Jonathan Stephens, a 2005 CHS graduate who played pitcher and first base for the Bulldogs.
“(Tim) Gillis and (Dexter) Day were my coaches growing up,” he said. “It’s great mixing it up with these guys.”
Stephens hit one home run, and CHS varsity player Corey Armstrong, 16, won the derby by hitting four home runs. He also won a portable cooler.
Teammate Jordan Chamberlain, 17, said the event allowed players to compete and prepare for the upcoming season.
Jordan, who primarily plays pitcher for the varsity Bulldogs, had the opportunity to pitch against the CHS alumni.
Although a current varsity player won the derby, CHS alumni won the following baseball game in five innings, 12-5.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CHS alumni game, home run derby benefit Crestview family