NAUGATUCK — Local youth will have the opportunity to show off their athletic skills on the diamond as Major League Baseball’s Pitch, Hit & Run competition returns to Naugatuck.
“This is my fourth year. I’m always impressed at the talent we get each year,” said Jay Kuczenski, a member of the park commission who’s organizing the competition in Naugatuck. “It’s just a great event for the youth to participate in.”
The competition is scheduled for May 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Naugatuck High School, 543 Rubber Ave. The competition is for youth, ages 7 through 14, from Naugatuck and the surrounding area. Youth will be split up into four age categories — 7 and 8 year olds, 9 and 10 year olds, 11 and 12 year olds, and 13 and 14 year olds — then compete in pitching, hitting, and running contests. The youths will pitch at a target, run for the best time, and hit for distance and accuracy.
Kuczenski said one boy and girl will be chosen from each of the age groups for each competition and as “all-around” competitors to move on to the sectional competition. Local youth whose skills are good enough could eventually make their way through the competition to show off their talents at this year’s Major League All-Star game July 10. The game will be held at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., the home of the Kansas City Royals.
Kuczenski said the first year the competition was held in Naugatuck a borough boy made it all the way to the All-Star game.
“It’s a good time. … It’s just a good event to get everyone involved,” Kuczenski said.
There is no charge to sign up for the competition. Registration will be held the day of the competition. Any youth interested in competing must bring a copy of their birth certificate and fill out a registration form prior to playing.
For more information, call Jay Kuczenski at (203) 729-6805.
