April 13, 2022 at 5:21pm
⚠️ Please Note: This article was published in 2022. Visit our Events Calendar to view current upcoming events.
“The fun thing about this event is every single participant has an equal opportunity to advance to the next round in the competition, regardless of skill level.”
Recreation Supervisor Brian de la Torriente
The Major League Baseball (MLB) Pitch, Hit & Run™ (PHR™) is a free event that creates a safe and fun environment for kids to stay active and learn or continue to play baseball and softball in their local communities. Northbrook Park District is proud to be hosting PHR for the first time on Friday, April 29 at 5:30pm at Techny Prairie Park and Fields. Recreation Supervisor Brian de la Torriente has organized a PHR competition for the last seven years, and this year will be his first with Northbrook. “This is a really neat event that gives kids the opportunity to let loose, have fun, and show off their baseball/softball skills,” said de la Torriente, “The fun thing about this event is every single participant has an equal opportunity to advance to the next round in the competition, regardless of skill level.”
The Pitch Hit & Run competition is for boys and girls 7-14 years old and consists of a series of skills that are essential in both baseball and softball. Athletes will participate in either the Baseball or Softball division, and compete in four age groups: 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14.
All young athletes participating will be tested on the three PHR components. Based on their scores, they may advance from the event at Techny Prairie Park & Fields to a Team Championship and then to the National Finals, which will be held during the 2022 MLB World Series!
According to the official PHR website, “The PITCH portion of the program will test how accurately a competitor can throw strikes to a designated “Strike Zone” target from a designated distance (35 feet for the softball division and 45 feet for the baseball division). Any method of underhand/overhand pitching or throwing is accepted. An attempt hitting ANY portion of the target will be deemed a strike.”
Athletes will be tested on their ability to HIT as well, which will be scored by distance and accuracy. This component records the participant’s ability to hit from a “stationary batting tee, along a tape measure from home plate, and finally, toward straight-away centerfield.”
Each athlete’s speed in a sprint from the start line, touching third base, and touching home plate will complete the RUN portion of the program. In total, participants will be required to run 120 feet.
Registration is required by April 28 and is available at nbparks.org. For more information on this event or Northbrook Park District baseball programs, visit nbparks.org, call 847-291-2993 or email customerservice@nbparks.org. Visit Major League Baseball’s PHR website for more information about the program.