Jun 27, 2025

Pitch, Hit & Run competition in Great Bend free for children

Posted Jun 27, 2025 12:00 PM

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

Another year of Major League Baseball’s youth competition will be hosted in Great Bend on July 1. Pitch, Hit & Run provides boys and girls the opportunity to showcase their baseball and softball skills with the chance to compete during the 2025 MLB World Series.

Great Bend Recreation Commission Sports Director Shane Sandberg said the competition will take place at the Sports Complex at 5 p.m. for children ages 7-14.

"We have a few that aged out this year that have done really well, but there are plenty of up-and-comers," said Sandberg. "With having multiple travel teams out there, I'm really going to hit this hard to get participation."

Last year, nearly 40 children participated in the event.

Based on ages, with separate boys and girls divisions, participants will compete in a hitting station, throwing station and a timed run to first base. Any child is welcome to sign up for the free challenge.

"I didn't look at the next closest site that has one running, but get people from Lyons and even McPherson last year," said Sandberg. "If you're in the region, feel free to come."

The top performers in each region will move on to Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium to compete. From there, the top scores get a chance to play at the World Series.