Kids Invited to Participate in Hit, Pitch and Run Competition

Area children are invited to test their skills at pitching, hitting and running during a first-time competition hosted by Miss Tampa Bay Softball.

The softball league, which plays at the , is joining forces with Major League Baseball to offer the official Hit, Pitch & Run competition May 11.

"The idea is to get kids out doing sports and keep them healthy and active," said organizer Chris Scigliano. "The competition is open to all kids no matter where they live. It's a way for them to test their baseball skills."

The free competition, for children ages 7 to 14, will begin at 5:30 p.m. May 11 at the FishHawk Sports Complex, 16120 FishHawk Blvd. A rain date is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, at 11 a.m.

During the competition, children will be challenged to pitch, throwing strikes to a designated target; hit from a stationary batting tee for distance and accuracy; and sprint from second base to home plate for the best time.

"The top participants from each age group and gender can move on to sectionals in Bradenton the following weekend," said Scigliano. "Then those winners have a chance to go to Team Championships in June at Tropicana Field. The winners of that competition advance to the national finals, which will include an all-expense-paid trip to the All-Star Game July 10 in Kansas City, Mo."

In addition to the Hit, Pitch & Run Competition, Miss Tampa Bay Softball will have its trophy and awards presentation, announce its all-star team and have registration for the fall season at the May 11 event. Food will be available and there will be a disc jockey on site spinning tunes.

Started in 2008, Miss Tampa Bay Softball players range in age from 4 1/2 to 16 years old,

"Right now, we have 294 girls playing softball each week," said Scigliano, noting that there are no boundaries to participate in the Miss Tampa Bay Softball program, which has two seasons, spring and fall.

Miss Tampa Bay Softball is currently seeking board members and sponsors. Anyone interested can visit the programs' website for more information.

To register for the Hit, Pitch and Run Competition, visit Miss Tampa Bay Softball's website or contact Scigliano at MTBS.Fundraising@gmail.com.