Local youths qualify for Kansas City

A trio of local youngsters from 30 entries have qualified to compete in the regional Pitch, Hit and Run softball/baseball skills test scheduled at Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Pitch, Hit and Run program is sponsored by Major League Baseball. 

The top three scores from Kansas in each age division qualify for compete in Kansas City Royals event at Kauffman Stadium.

Local qualifiers are Paisley Adams, 7/8 Softball Division; Ivan Weinhold, 7/8 Baseball Division; and Liam Wise, 9/10 Baseball Division.

Adams qualified with a pitching score of 50, hitting 85 and running 380 points. Weinhold scored 200 in pitching, 180 in hitting and 420 points in running. Wise qualified with a pitching score of 150, hitting 300 and running 450 points.

The Great Bend Recreation Commission worked with the local Noon Optimist Club to host the Pitch, Hit and Run event July 7 at the Great Bend Sports Complex. 

The pitching event allowed five pitches c– 35 feet for softball and 45 feet for baseball offered a target used as a strike zone.

The hitting event placed a softball/baseball on a tee. Entrants tried to hit the ball as far and straight as they could. 

The running event saw entries run 120 feet and touch third base as they headed for home.

The top scores from 30 major-league ballparks qualify for nationals at the MLB World Series.