Young ball players turn out for Pitch, Hit & Run competition at Vincentian fields in McCandless

The McCandless Athletic Association hosted the Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run competition on July 12 and 14 at the Vincentian fields in McCandless.

The free event was open to boys and girls from the Pittsburgh area to compete in a series of movements that are important in baseball and softball.

Andrew McKinley, president of the MCAA, said participants competed in four age divisions: 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 and 13/14.

“It was a great experience for the participants and gave them a unique opportunity to showcase their baseball and softball skills,” said McKinley of McCandless.

Some of the areas represented were players from the MCAA, Brad-Mar-Pine baseball, North Hills, Pittsburgh, Chartiers Valley, Quaker Valley and Keystone Oaks, according to McKinley.

The MCAA previously hosted the competition, but it has been about 10 years since the last one, said Bob Lucas, treasurer for the MCAA.

He predicts next year’s will be even more popular “once the word gets out.”

Jeff Trettel, who is on the MCAA council, said even major league player Cole Young, who now plays for the Seattle Mariners, was a finalist years ago in a previous Pitch, Hit & Run event hosted by MCAA.

“I think competition like this is good, and they really enjoy it,” Trettel said.

Meaveen Roney of McCandless had two children competing that day: Maria, a fifth grader, and Luke, a seventh grader, both students at Aquinas Academy in Hampton. They play for the MCAA.

She also has son who is starting T-ball for the organization.

“I think it’s always a team sport and really good for children to learn how to work with others,” Roney said.

Participants were tested on speed, throwing and hitting, and their measurements were recorded for points.

Based on their scores, they will advance to a team championship and then to the finals hosted at the World Series, according to www.pitchhitrun2025 website.

Finalists for the MCAA event include:

• Baseball, 7/8 division: Grant Karr

• Softball, 7/ 8 division: Paislee Williams

• Baseball, 9/10 division: Landon Dobies

• Softball, 9/10 division: Maria Roney of McCandless

• Baseball, 11/12, division: Luke Roney of McCandless

• Softball, 11/12 division: Addison Portman

• Baseball, 13/14 division: Dwayne Brunson III