TORQ founder Jake Baer finishes second in first Field of Dreams celebrity home run derby

Jake Baer, founder and CEO of TORQ Sports, placed second at the first-ever celebrity home run derby at the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa, on Sept. 26. The event turned the iconic baseball location into a glowing night showcase and drew creators, former pros and softball stars.

Why it matters: - The event put the Field of Dreams movie site into a new kind of live baseball spectacle, mixing celebrity competition, technology and fan-friendly visuals. - Baer’s run gave TORQ Sports visibility in a high-profile baseball setting tied to recruiting, athlete branding and creator-driven sports culture.

What happened: - Jake Baer, founder and CEO of TORQ Sports and a recent professional baseball player, finished second in the Glowing Yard Home Run Derby on Sept. 26 at the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa. - The derby was the first-ever celebrity home run derby at the Field of Dreams and headlined “Glow Activated.” - The event featured UV-reactive baseballs that lit up the sky over the site’s new ballpark. - More than two dozen players and creators took part. - The field included Jake Adams, Eric Sim, the “King of Juco,” Jeremy Nowak “The Swing Man,” former MLB catcher Miguel Olivo and pro softball star Rachel Garcia.

The details: - Baer led all hitters in the first round with five home runs in 10 swings. - Adams took the lead in the second round. - Baer edged Eric Sim 6–5 to advance to the final. - Adams, an Iowa Hawkeyes legend and hometown favorite, beat Baer 5–4 in the final in front of a home crowd. - Adams set the Big Ten single-season home run record with 29 in 2017. - Glow Activated was created by GlowBall Nation, Going Yard Baseball, Stinger Sports and the Field of Dreams Movie Site. - Baer said, “Every kid grows up watching Field of Dreams. Being able to take part in this event was pretty special. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m coming for the belt next year.”

Between the lines: - The event blended nostalgia around the Field of Dreams brand with a creator-heavy baseball format that fits social media and entertainment-first audiences. - TORQ’s presence at the event reinforced the company’s positioning around athlete exposure, recruiting and digital reach rather than traditional team-only tools.

What’s next: - Baer said he plans to return and compete for the belt next year. - TORQ Sports continues to promote its free app for student-athletes, which is available on the App Store, Google Play and at TORQ Sports download page.