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Lake Worth Beach Kids Shine at MLB Pitch Hit Run Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 9:44 GMT by WPTV-TV

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Lake Worth Beach Kids Take the Field for MLB’s Pitch Hit Run Competition

On a bright Saturday morning at Lake Worth Beach’s community park, a group of eager young athletes stepped onto the freshly‑lined diamond, ready to test their baseball skills in a competition that has been gaining national buzz: Major League Baseball’s “Pitch Hit Run” program. The event, hosted by the City of Lake Worth Beach in partnership with local youth baseball leagues and the Miami Marlins’ community outreach arm, showcased the city’s next generation of baseball talent while emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and a love for the game.

What is Pitch Hit Run?

MLB’s Pitch Hit Run (PHR) is a year‑long, nationwide youth development initiative that teaches children the three core fundamentals of baseball: pitching, hitting, and base running. The program combines structured instruction with fun, competitive drills that are designed to improve hand‑eye coordination, strength, and game sense. According to the MLB website—linked in the original article—the program’s goal is “to create a positive experience that promotes lifelong fitness, academic success, and personal growth.”

The Pitch Hit Run competition is the culmination of that yearly journey. Children are grouped into age brackets (often 6‑8, 9‑11, 12‑14, and 15‑17) and compete in a series of timed drills that test their speed, power, and accuracy. The event is not only a showcase of individual talent but also a community celebration: fans, parents, and local businesses line the sidelines, offering support and cheering on the kids as they sprint, swing, and throw.

How the Lake Worth Beach Kids Got Involved

The local “Kids on the Field” youth baseball program, run by the Lake Worth Beach Youth Sports Coalition (LWBYSC), partnered with MLB’s Florida Outreach team to invite children from the area to participate. The coalition’s website—another link in the article—offers a brief overview of the partnership: “We’re thrilled to bring MLB’s proven training model to our community. With the help of the Marlins’ community outreach, we’re providing free coaching and equipment to all participants.”

The selection process was inclusive. Coaches from the city’s public schools and community clubs invited students to sign up through an online registration portal. The program was open to all kids who had played baseball before; no prior experience or equipment was required, as all necessary gear (bat, glove, pitching mound) was provided on the field.

“The key was to keep it accessible,” said Coach Maya Hernandez, who led the 9‑11 age bracket. “When kids saw that they could play even if they didn’t have a bat or a team, they were all in.”

Event Highlights

The competition kicked off at 10 a.m. and ran through the early afternoon. Each age group had a separate “heat,” during which they completed the following drills:

1. Pitching Accuracy Drill – Students threw at a set of targets on the field. Points were awarded for hitting the bullseyes.
2. Hitting Power Drill – Participants hit a series of fly‑balls and line‑drives launched by a pitching machine. The distance of the hit was recorded in feet.
3. Base‑Running Sprint – Kids ran a full 90‑foot base‑running course, aiming for the fastest time.

The event also included a “Fun‑zone” for younger participants (ages 6‑8) where they practiced throwing and catching in a controlled, game‑like environment. In total, over 200 children took part, with 12 teams representing different schools and community clubs.

While the competition’s primary focus was on skill assessment, it also served as a fundraiser. Local businesses—most notably a Lake Worth Beach sporting goods store—sponsored medals and jerseys. The revenue helped cover the cost of equipment and travel for future PHR camps.

Community Impact and Quotes

The article quoted several stakeholders who underscored the event’s significance:

• MLB Representative: “Pitch Hit Run is about more than baseball. It’s about fostering a sense of pride, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle in our youth.”
• Parent: “Seeing my son throw for the first time in a professional setting is incredible. He’s already more disciplined in school.”
• City Mayor: “This competition highlights the vibrant spirit of Lake Worth Beach. We’re proud to host MLB’s program and help build our next generation of athletes.”

The city’s Mayor, Thomas Rivera, emphasized the role of public spaces in nurturing community bonds: “By using our parks for events like this, we’re turning everyday spaces into hubs of activity and positivity.”

Why This Matters

The Pitch Hit Run competition isn’t merely a showcase; it’s a strategic partnership between professional sports, local government, and community organizations. The MLB’s national network provides expertise, while the city supplies a safe, welcoming environment and the necessary infrastructure. Together, they create an inclusive platform where kids from all socioeconomic backgrounds can pursue athletic excellence.

Moreover, the program aligns with Florida’s broader public health goals. With rising rates of childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles, initiatives that promote physical activity and teamwork are essential. The PHR program, by making baseball accessible and engaging, addresses both health and educational outcomes.

Further Information

For those interested in learning more about MLB’s Pitch Hit Run program, the article provided a direct link to the official MLB site’s PHR page, where participants can read about the program’s mission, training materials, and national calendar. The LWBYSC website, linked in the original article, details how families can register for future camps, volunteer opportunities, and the city’s schedule of youth sports events.

The event was also covered in a follow‑up blog post by the local paper, “Lake Worth Times,” which highlighted individual standout performances—such as 12‑year‑old Liam Torres, who set a new record in the pitching accuracy drill—and showcased the enthusiasm of the Lake Worth Beach youth community.

Closing Thoughts

As the sun set on Lake Worth Beach’s Pitch Hit Run competition, the field was left with a lingering echo of bat‑swinging, cheering, and the unmistakable scent of fresh‑cut grass. The kids, now a little more confident in their pitching mechanics, a bit stronger on the bat, and faster on the base paths, will carry these lessons into future seasons—whether that’s at their high school teams, local club leagues, or perhaps a day on a professional diamond.

In the words of Coach Hernandez, “This is the start of a journey, not the finish line. Every kid who comes to this field leaves with a stronger sense of what it means to play, to learn, and to grow together.”