Local girl talks about experience with MLB Pitch, Hit, and Run Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Mon, Oct 10th, 2025 by WBAY

Local Girl Shares Memorable Journey Through MLB Pitch‑Hit‑Run Competition

The weekend’s community spotlight came from an unlikely hero: 15‑year‑old Emily “Em” Martinez, a sophomore at Brookside High School, who recently took part in the Major League Baseball (MLB) Pitch‑Hit‑Run competition. The event, held last Saturday at the town’s new baseball complex, drew a crowd of more than 2,000 spectators, local businesses, and representatives from MLB’s youth outreach division. Em’s experience, she told reporters, was “the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” and she hopes her story will inspire other girls in the area to pursue sports they love.

What Is the Pitch‑Hit‑Run Competition?

The Pitch‑Hit‑Run is a fast‑paced, three‑segment contest that challenges participants to showcase versatility across the core facets of baseball. Teams of three athletes rotate between pitching, batting, and running. Each segment lasts five minutes, and points are awarded for strikeouts, home runs, stolen bases, and overall teamwork. The competition, which is part of MLB’s “Future of Baseball” initiative, is designed to promote skill development and gender equality by encouraging girls and boys to compete on the same field.

“MLB wants to make baseball accessible to every kid in America,” said Mark Delaney, a representative from the MLB Community Outreach Office. “Pitch‑Hit‑Run is a fun, inclusive way to get them all on the field together.”

How Em Got Involved

Em was first introduced to the competition through her school’s summer sports program. “My coach, Coach Ramirez, told us about it in the first week of July,” Em recounted. “I knew it was something I wanted to try.” After a brief selection process that involved a skills showcase and a short interview, Em earned a spot on Brookside’s team.

“I remember standing on the field with a ball in my hand and feeling the weight of the baseball, the excitement of everyone watching, and a tiny tremor in my stomach,” Em said. “That’s how I felt when I saw the scoreboard go to zero. It felt like the start of something new.”

The Competition Day

The morning of the competition was electric. Local businesses set up booths offering free baseball gloves, branded water bottles, and a photo booth with a giant bat backdrop. The main field was lined with a rainbow of banners: a “Girls Can Pitch” sign hung prominently above the home plate, while a “Play, Learn, Grow” slogan fluttered in the wind.

Brookside’s team, consisting of Em, junior pitcher Jake Carter, and sophomore catcher Hannah Lee, began their first segment with a fast pitch from Jake, followed by a swing from Em that resulted in a three‑run homer. The crowd erupted in cheers. Their second segment saw Em sprinting bases, stealing second with a daring slide that earned her a perfect five on the running score. Their final segment, a team batting practice, demonstrated synchronized hitting and catching skills that impressed the judges.

“We didn’t just win; we had the most fun on the field,” Em laughed. “I can’t wait to do it again next year.”

Community Impact and Future Goals

Beyond the immediate thrill of competition, the event served a deeper purpose. The MLB Foundation had set up a scholarship fund for high‑school athletes who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence. Em’s coach, who also serves as a volunteer mentor, hopes Em will apply for the scholarship and possibly pursue a baseball scholarship in college.

“I think Em’s story is powerful,” said Coach Ramirez. “She’s shown that a girl from a small town can dream big and get the tools to achieve it.”

The local Chamber of Commerce announced plans to host an annual Pitch‑Hit‑Run tournament to provide a platform for more girls to participate. “This competition has opened doors for our youth,” said Chamber President Linda Ortega. “We’re excited to keep building on this momentum.”

Lessons Learned

When asked what she took away from the experience, Em reflected on both skill and character. “I learned that teamwork matters more than individual glory,” she said. “Every player has to step up, whether it’s pitching, batting, or running. You can’t win if you’re all in your own lane.”

She also emphasized the importance of perseverance. “There were times I felt like I couldn’t make it through the first round,” she admitted. “But the coaches told us to keep going and practice hard. And that’s what I did.”

Looking Ahead

Em is now training with a local youth league and plans to join the state‑level junior girls’ baseball program next spring. “I want to play for a college team,” she declared. “I want to be a role model for other girls in our town.”

The MLB Pitch‑Hit‑Run competition, with its inclusive approach and community support, has proven to be more than just a game. It is a stepping stone for young athletes like Em to discover their passion, hone their skills, and break barriers in a sport that has historically been male‑dominated. As the event’s organizers, local community, and athletes continue to collaborate, the future of baseball in the region—and the nation—looks brighter than ever.