They paddled. They pedaled. They sang "The Star Spangled Banner" before the contest and hoped for a souvenir. The only players they saw were on a scoreboard. But their persistance paid off.

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Scores of soggy fans floating on the Allegheny River next to PNC Park were rewarded yesterday evening with a spectacular sunset and a shower of baseballs launched from the bats of Lance Berkman, David Ortiz and Ryan Howard.

Homers hit out of the ballpark are a rarity. But last night was the All-Star Home Run Derby, a perfect storm of batting practice pitchers and left-handed pull hitters with All-Star talent. No landlubbers were allowed next to the stadium. But anyone with a sense of adventure and a non-motorized boat could float just offshore for a chance to splash their way to grabbing a ball.

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