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BY IVAN SANDERS
STAR SPORTS EDITOR
ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com
Youth of all ages and skill levels from throughout the region are invited to participate in
two different competitions occurring simultaneously at Elizabethton’s Lions Field on
February 26th and 27th.

“One of our primary focus areas is providing engaging activities for youth in the
community and we are excited to offer this weekend of friendly competition,” said Jilian
Reece, Carter County Drug Prevention Director.

Pitch Hit & Run™ is the official skills competition of Major League Baseball®.

This grassroots program is designed to provide youngsters with an opportunity to compete,
free of charge, in a competition that recognizes individual excellence in core
baseball/softball skills.

Each participant will move through stations in which they will be able to show off their
pitching, hitting, and running skills.

All participants should register online at https://pitchhitrun2021.leagueapps.com/events/1999492
and plan to bring age verification (copy/ picture of birth certificate or similar) to the competition.

Major League Baseball® Jr. Home Run Derby™ powered by @MLBdevelops is a fun
and exciting youth competition for talented youngsters to showcase their hitting abilities,
with the opportunity of competing at the Finals during MLB® All-Star Week™.

All participants should register online at http://jrhrd2021.leagueapps.com/events/2011903
and plan to bring age verification (copy/picture of birth certificate or similar) to the
competition.

“There are no requirements regarding the level of skill,” Reece said. “Everyone is welcome
to come and spend some time enjoying these competitions.”

Boys and girls will be divided into age divisions and have the chance to advance
through three levels of competition throughout the state and country, including Team
Championships and the Finals during the World Series™.

Local Champions will advance to the Regional Level, and Regional Champions will advance
to the Finals, which will take place during the 2021 World Series™.

Carter County Drug Prevention is recognized nationally for its youth coalition and for
utilizing youth to develop and implement programs they offer and this tournament will be
no different.

“You will absolutely see youth assisting with the competitions, selling concessions, greeting you
at the gate and more,” said Reece.

Due to current COVID recommendations, participants will be provided personal time
slots for participation throughout the evening of February 26th and a full day on February
27th to allow for appropriate distancing.

Masks and social distancing are also requested from all spectators. There will be no bleacher
seating available.

Admission is $5/car per day to cover events costs. Concessions will be sold.

“In this time of isolation, our hope is that this event will provide an opportunity for kids to
connect and engage with others in a safe and fun environment and for our local winners
to have an opportunity to advance to national competitions,” Reece added.

For questions concerning the competition, please visit https://www.facebook.com/mlbinetown/
or contact Reece at director@cartercountydrugprevention.org.