IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys' third annual home run derby competition Wednesday at Globe Life Park in Arlington helped raise $50,000 to benefit The Salvation Army.
Barry Church was the victor, edging out Jason Witten in the final round. Both players helped raise more than $5,000 entering the last round and eventually helped raise more than $8,000 apiece.
Given Church's lack of experience playing baseball, he didn't expect that result.
The Dallas Cowboys traded touchdowns for home runs in a Reliant-sponsored charity competition to benefit The Salvation Army Youth.
22 July 2017: Views
of the Dallas Cowboys during their departure to training camp from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 July 2017: Views of the Dallas Cowboys arriving at Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu, California for training camp. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 July 2017: Views of the Dallas Cowboys arriving at Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu, California for training camp. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 July 2017: Views
of the Dallas Cowboys during their departure to training camp from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 July 2017: Views of the Dallas Cowboys signing autographs at Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu, California for training camp. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 July 2017: Views
of the Dallas Cowboys during their departure from DFW airport to training camp in Oxnard, California, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 July 2017: Views
of the Dallas Cowboys during their departure from DFW airport to training camp in Oxnard, California, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 July 2017: Views of the Dallas Cowboys arriving at Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu, California for training camp. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 July 2017: Views
of the Dallas Cowboys during their departure to training camp from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 July 2017: Views
of the Dallas Cowboys during their departure to training camp from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
"I probably swung at a baseball about five times in my life," Church said. "I didn't expect to come in here and win this, but I got a little rhythm and it got me to the championship to be a winner. For the year long, I'm a home run derby champion. To win it over Witten, I go against him every day, to beat him in the championship round made it that much sweeter."
Players earned $100 for every hit, $500 for every home run over the temporary fence and $1,000 for every home run over the real fence. Each player had 10 swings, with the last ball a money ball that gives the player the opportunity to earn double the money. The final pitch comes with the chance to bring in $2,000 for the Gene and Jerry Jones Family North Texas Youth Education Town of The Salvation Army in Arlington. [embedded_ad]
Last year, the Reliant-hosted event helped raise $43,000 for The Salvation Army. Joining Church and Witten as the contestants this year were DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Brandon Carr, Bruce Carter and Doug Free. Head coach Jason Garrett also participated, while Cowboys rookies shagged balls in the outfield.
"It's awesome," Witten said. "I think anytime you have a chance to be out here with teammates and see charity benefit from it, that's pretty special. Obviously I believe in giving back to the community. In a situation like this, it's a pretty good experience for us as well."
