Great Bend Recreation Commission partnered with the local Noon Optimist Club to host the Pitch, Hit and Run event July 7 in Great Bend at the Great Bend Sports Complex. There were 30 participants at the local event.
The Pitch, Hit and Run program is free to participate in and is offered by Major League Baseball. Participants can compete in the following age divisions 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 and 13/14 both baseball and softball.
Participants compete not only against the 30 at the local level but scores are also compared to other local events in the state of Kansas. The top 3 scores from participants across the state get to compete in this same Pitch, Hit and Run event at Kauffman Stadium, Home of the Royals, in Kansas City. The top scores from that event will then be compared to other top scores from other Major League ballparks and have the chance to compete one last time at the MLB World Series.
Pitching Event:
Softball stands 35’ away and Baseball stands 45’ from a target used as a strike zone. Each participant gets 5 pitches to try and hit the target
Hitting Event:
A ball is placed on a tee at home plate and participants are trying to hit the ball as far as they can but also as straight as they can.
Running Event:
Participants run a distance of 120’ and touch 3rd base as they run towards Home.
The following participants have been selected statewide in their age group to participate at Kaufman Stadium.
Paisley Adams, 7/8 Softball Division:
Pitching – 50 points
Hitting – 85 points
Running – 380 points
Ivan Weinhold, 7/8 Baseball Division:
Pitching – 200 points
Hitting – 180 points
Running – 420 points
Liam Wise, 9/10 Baseball Division:
Pitching – 150 points
Hitting – 300 points
Running – 450 points