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<\/p>\nThe 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. \n<\/p>\n
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Nate’s Next Kid Up founder, Nate Gonzalez, said the event is designed to help young athletes gain exposure and experience while building confidence.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
The event will also feature the inaugural Hall Law Firm Home Run Derby, where participants will compete for the title of the first champion.<\/p>\n
Organizers said more than 150 children have already registered, but additional spots remain available. Their goal is to have between 200 and 250 participants.<\/p>\n
Gonzalez encouraged families not to wait to sign up.<\/p>\n
“We already have about 150 kids registered, but we’d love to see even more out here,” he said.<\/p>\n