This spring, the crack of the bat and the cheers of the crowd will mean more than just a night of baseball in Fayetteville. 2 Out Rally, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals impacted by illicit fentanyl and mental health challenges, is bringing the community together for an exciting Home Run Derby at Segra Stadium, featuring both a qualification round and a finals event.
The derby is designed to be a fun, family-friendly competition, but organizers say the heart of the event goes far beyond the scoreboard. It is an opportunity to rally around a cause, support the organization’s mission, and celebrate the power of community.
“For readers who may be new to 2 Out Rally, our vision is to honor the life of Alex Bradford by STRIKING OUT illicit fentanyl and RALLYING for mental health awareness. We envision a world where mental health is a priority, and no family has to endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one to fentanyl,” said Jeremy Bradford, Co-Founder and Vice President of Operations.
2 Out Rally was established in memory of Bradford’s son, Alex, who died from fentanyl poisoning in March 2022.
“Alex was a talented athlete who found his greatest joy on the baseball diamond, from tee-ball through his years as a varsity outfielder at Western Harnett High School,” Bradford said.
After high school, Alex pursued a business degree at UNC Wilmington, but his life was tragically cut short during his sophomore year.
The organization’s name reflects perseverance and hope, even in difficult moments.
“2 Out Rally is more than a name; it’s a refusal to quit. It’s the bottom of the ninth, two outs, when everything is on the line and you dig deeper than you thought possible. It’s the moment you choose to fight back,” Bradford explained.
He added that even when life feels darkest, there is still power to rally. Through the Alex Bradford Memorial Scholarship and community education efforts, the foundation works to build awareness and save lives. There are often heavy stigmas surrounding fentanyl and mental health, but Bradford believes sporting environments provide an opportunity to reach people where they feel safe.
“This event helps us meet people where they are comfortable,” he said. “These environments allow us to have candid, meaningful conversations with youth and parents about the real-world dangers they face. By breaking down these stigmas in a community setting, we can turn a tough conversation into a life-saving rally.”
The idea for the Home Run Derby came from a desire to create an event that was exciting, accessible, and meaningful for families across the region.
“The Fayetteville Woodpeckers approached us to host a Home Run Derby as a fundraiser in honor of Alex and our foundation’s work,” Bradford said.
The event is especially fitting because baseball was Alex’s passion.
“Our family spent countless hours in the yard playing home run derby with wiffle balls,” Bradford shared.
Now, this event will allow others to experience the thrill of hitting a home run on a professional diamond while supporting an important mission.
This inaugural year will include two stages: a Qualifying Round on Saturday, Feb. 28, followed by a Grand Finale on March 7. The Qualifying Round features three brackets: 13U (hitting from 2nd base toward a 210ft fence), 17U (hitting from 2nd base toward the 300ft stadium wall), and 18+ (hitting from home plate). Each player has two minutes and one 30-second timeout to hit as many home runs as possible. The top four from each division return on March 7 for the Grand Finale during the Woodpeckers’ Special Olympics softball tournament.
The derby is open to community members who want to participate, volunteer, or cheer on the hitters. Fans attending the qualifiers can also purchase Woodpeckers tickets, visit the gift shop, and even catch a glimpse of Bunker, the mascot. While Fayetteville has no shortage of community events, organizers say this Home Run Derby stands out because it combines high-energy entertainment with meaningful impact.
“What makes this event unique is it offers fans the rare joy of stepping onto a professional field,” Bradford said. “That feeling of hitting a home run, and the pride of a parent pitching to their child, is an experience we want every family to share. Beyond the sport, it provides a platform to bring awareness to the dangers of illicit fentanyl and the intersection of substance use and mental health.”
The event is also a key fundraiser for the foundation. A $25 registration donation goes directly toward supporting outreach efforts, educational programming, and Naloxone distribution. Funds raised help 2 Out Rally travel across North Carolina and the United States to raise awareness about illicit pills and the critical need for mental health support. The organization also provides life-saving Naloxone to community members free of charge. To date, the foundation has distributed nearly 1,200 doses.
“These funds allow us to train community members on opioid crisis response and speak at middle and high schools about fentanyl and mental health,” Bradford explained.
The organization’s annual Alex Bradford Memorial Golf Tournament has already raised more than $30,000, further expanding their ability to educate and serve communities nationwide.
As 2 Out Rally continues to grow, its long-term vision remains focused on expanding its reach and impact. Bradford encourages community members to stay involved beyond attending the derby.
“People can support us by following our social media pages and visiting www.2outrallyfoundation.org to stay updated on our events and learn how to get involved,” he said.
As the qualification round and finals approach, organizers hope Fayetteville will come out not only for the excitement of baseball, but to be part of something bigger.
“These topics—fentanyl and mental health—affect everyone, regardless of background, race, or status,” Bradford said. “Come out for the fun of the game, but stay for the message. Join us as we Rally for Mental Health and Strike Out Illicit Fentanyl.”
With competition, community spirit, and a meaningful mission at the center of it all, 2 Out Rally’s Home Run Derby promises to be a standout event at Segra Stadium, and a reminder of what can happen when Fayetteville shows up for a cause. For more information or to get involved, visit www.2outrallyfoundation.org

(Photo: A member of 2 Out Rally sets up a booth at a Fayetteville Woodpeckers game in 2025. 2 Out Rally is a local non profit dedicated to eradicating fentanyl and helping with mental health issues. The non profit also honors the life of Alex Bradford. Photo courtesy of 2 Out Rally Facebook page)