Milwaukee to Host Pitch, Hit & Run Finals Oct. 25
Forty youth athletes will compete at American Family Field before Game Two of the 2026 World Series.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Baseball
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On October 25, 2026, forty finalists will compete in the Pitch, Hit & Run national finals at American Family Field in Milwaukee. Participants will receive on-field recognition during Game Two of the World Series.
Why it matters
The competition acts as a centerpiece of the PLAY BALL initiative, a program designed to foster long-term interest and engagement in baseball and softball among youth.
The competition includes forty finalists split across four age groups, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14. Since the program began in 1976, over 20 participants have gone on to play in Major League Baseball.
The players
Major League Baseball
The professional baseball organization oversees the PLAY BALL initiative and the Pitch, Hit & Run program.
The details
Finalists qualified for the event through a series of local and regional competitions across the country. Fans unable to attend in person can watch the action via a live stream hosted on MLB.com.
Timeline
1976: Pitch, Hit & Run program inception.
10:30 a.m. ET/9:30 a.m. CT, October 25, 2026: Live stream of competition begins.
October 25, 2026: Finalists compete at American Family Field.
Season Trajectory
This youth event elevates the profile of grassroots development during the sport's biggest stage, the World Series. It highlights the league's focus on maintaining long-term interest in the game by connecting young athletes directly to professional milestones.
The finals at American Family Field determine the national champions across four age brackets. Fans should note that the event concludes before the start of Game Two, with coverage accessible to the public via digital streaming.
The takeaway
This event demonstrates how major sports organizations invest in youth development to sustain the future of their leagues. Families interested in similar programs can keep an eye on upcoming season calendars to prepare for early registration windows.
What happens next
Registration for the 2027 Pitch, Hit & Run competition is expected to open soon following the conclusion of the 2026 event.
Further reading
For more on professional and amateur events in the area, visit the Milwaukee Baseball section.
More information
To find local event details or view participation requirements, visit the registration for host competitions.
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Do you believe youth engagement programs effectively increase local interest in playing baseball and softball?
