The free event at Whataburger Field gives baseball and softball players ages 7 to 14 a chance to showcase their skills and advance to national competition.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A local baseball or softball player could take the first step toward Major League Baseball’s biggest stage this week without ever leaving Corpus Christi.
The MLB Pitch, Hit & Run competition is coming to Whataburger Field on Friday, giving boys and girls ages 7 to 14 the opportunity to test their skills and compete for a chance to advance through national competition and potentially attend MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia.
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The event is being brought to Corpus Christi through a partnership between the Corpus Christi Hooks and Nate’s Next Kid Up, a local organization focused on creating opportunities for young athletes.
McKenna Albanese, special events coordinator for the Hooks, said the competition allows young athletes to showcase their baseball and softball abilities in a fun and competitive environment.
“Kids from 7 to 14 get the opportunity to show their skills and just show how great they are at baseball and softball,” Albanese said.
Participants will compete in pitching, hitting and running challenges. Those who earn qualifying scores will advance to the next round of competition. Organizers said top performers could eventually earn a trip to MLB All-Star Week, where they would participate in additional events and meet professional players.
“Once they reach a certain score, they advance and have the opportunity to attend the All-Star Game and compete at the next level,” Albanese said.
Nate’s Next Kid Up founder, Nate Gonzalez, said the event is designed to help young athletes gain exposure and experience while building confidence.
“It’s a youth skills competition, and it’s going to be amazing,” Gonzalez said. “We can’t wait to see the kids out here.”
The event will also feature the inaugural Hall Law Firm Home Run Derby, where participants will compete for the title of the first champion.
Organizers said more than 150 children have already registered, but additional spots remain available. Their goal is to have between 200 and 250 participants.
Gonzalez encouraged families not to wait to sign up.
“We already have about 150 kids registered, but we’d love to see even more out here,” he said.
The competition will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at Whataburger Field. Registration remains open through the day of the event. For more information on the event, click here.
Organizers said several Corpus Christi-area athletes have previously advanced through the competition, proving local players can compete on a national stage.