Dr. Phillips Little League players participate in MLB Pitch, Hit and Run event

Dr. Phillip Little League players Rayyan Ansari, 11, and Jude Blum, 10, participated in the Regional Competition for the MLB Pitch, Hit and Run this past weekend at the Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. 

According to its website, the event is “for boys and girls 7-14 years old, and consists of a series of movements that are important in baseball and softball. Athletes will be tested and their measurements will be recorded.”

“We were super excited,” Dr. Phillips Little League President Nomi Ansari said. “He (Rayyan Ansari) was excited about the opportunity to compete at a regional level, but I think he was most excited just to be on a major league ball field.”

The competition consisted of three events: hitting off of a T, running 90 feet for time and throw to a target.

While Rayyan Ansari participated in the 10 to 11 age category, Jude Blum participated in the 9 to 10 age category. 

“We were super excited about it, he was thrilled,” Jude’s mom, Angela Blum said. 

Jude Blum placed second in his age category. However, Rayyan Ansari has not yet received response in regards to his podium placement. 

Both players qualified for the event earlier this year through a local qualifying event that took place at Bay Meadows Elementary School.