MADISON – In keeping with its commitment to well-rounded youth and the community’s quality of life, Madison American Legion, Post 229 is sponsoring the annual Pitch, Hit & Run competition. Major League Baseball or MLB sanctions this event.

Pitch, Hit & Run is scheduled for May 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Palmer Park at 574 Palmer Road, Bobby Lee Jr. said. Lee is Event Chair for American Legion Post 229.

The competition includes baseball and softball participants from four age divisions: 7-8 years old; 9-10; 11-12; and 13-14. Participants are tested for accuracy with their pitching performance, distance for the measurement in hitting and speed for their ‘running game.’

The Pitch Hit & Run competition is for boys and girls who are 7 to 14 years old and consists of a series of movements that are important in baseball and softball. Officials will test the athletes and record their measurements, Lee said.

Based on their scores, youth may advance from a local event to a Team Championship and then to the National Finals, which will be held during the 2022 MLB World Series.

Free to its participants, Pitch, Hit & Run creates a safe and fun environment for boys and girls to stay active and learn or continue to play baseball and softball in their local communities.

Having access to a baseball or softball field is ideal for a Pitch, Hit & Run event. However, the tests are set up to take place anywhere by measuring out the different activities. The preferable site is outdoors to allow room for the hitting portion of the event.

The basic requirements for an athlete to participate are online registration before the competition and satisfying the age requirements.

Nationally in 2021, youth participated in more than 1,700 competitions in either the baseball or softball sectors of each age division. Afterwards, 24 MLB ballparks hosted team championships from late July through September.

To register for Pitch, Hit & Run, visit signupgenius.com/go/10c0f45abab2ea3fd0-mlbpitch.