Baseball and softball have always been part of life for the Leonard family—but they never expected it would take them this far.
When the Leonards first signed up for a local MLB Pitch, Hit & Run event, they thought it would just be a fun way to spend a Saturday.
But for Scott Leonard and his daughters, Payton (13) and Jordan “JJ” (11), that day sparked something much bigger: a shared love of the game that’s taken them from small-town fields in Fulshear, TX all the way to Fenway Park—and even the World Series.
“I actually did Pitch, Hit & Run when I was a kid and made it to the National Finals ,” Scott said. “My dad sent me a link and asked if I remembered it. I laughed and said, ‘Yeah, I do.’ Thirty years later, here we are, doing it again.”
That one memory turned into a family tradition, and an unforgettable story that shows just how special Pitch, Hit & Run can be.
Building a Family Tradition
The Leonards jumped into Pitch, Hit & Run like most families—just looking for a place to play. At first, they traveled to nearby events they found online. Eventually, Scott decided to host one himself.
“We’d been through it enough times that I thought, if I ever hosted, I’d know exactly how I’d want to run it,” he said. “The day went fantastic. Everything I needed came in the packet from RCX Sports—templates, materials, instructions.”
MLB Pitch, Hit & Run, operated by RCX Sports in partnership with Major League Baseball, is free and open to kids ages 7–14. The program tests three core baseball and softball skills—pitching accuracy, hitting distance, and running speed—giving young athletes a chance to compete and fall in love with the game.
Powered by RCX Sports, the program makes it easy and accessible for anyone to host, whether you’re a parent, coach, or local league organizer. It’s one of the simplest ways to introduce kids to baseball and softball, no travel teams or fees required.
From Local Fields to the World Series
In 2023, the Leonards’ first big breakthrough came when one of Scott’s daughters won her Houston qualifier and advanced to the Team Championship at the Texas Rangers’ stadium.
A year later, both girls won their divisions—and JJ’s journey didn’t stop there.
She earned her spot in the Pitch, Hit & Run Finals at the World Series, representing the 9–10 softball division.
“She was a celebrity,” Scott said. “The RCX crew handed her a microphone—she’s on cloud nine, being interviewed like a pro. They gave the girls swag bags, gift cards, tickets to the World Series game.
“The most memorable moment was being able to experience Dodger Stadium,” JJ said. “It was so cool to watch the game on TV with our new PHR friends the first night, then go to World Series Game 2 the next night, and then compete on that same field the next morning. I still think about it!”
This year, the girls qualified again—this time while competing in Oklahoma—and advanced to Fenway Park in Boston.
“Standing on that field with my daughters and my Dad—those are moments you never forget,” Scott said.
“Fenway Park was incredible,” Payton said. “To be on the field at such a historic ballpark gave me chills. I am so grateful to have been given that opportunity. It was the most nervous and the most fun I’ve had during any of the events!”
A Family Shaped by the Game
For the Leonards, Pitch, Hit & Run is as much about family and teamwork as it is about competition.
“We wish they played more sports, honestly,” Scott said with a laugh. “But they’ve fallen in love with softball. Their friends are their teammates, and between games, they’re always together. Effort, attitude, character—that’s what we care about.”
That passion has taken Payton farther than they ever expected. She now plays for Jennie Finch’s team, years after meeting the softball legend at a Pitch, Hit & Run event.
“Jennie was at one of the events because her son advanced,” Scott said. “We took pictures with her then 2 years later got a call to join her team. She’s a great human, role model, and a great coach.”
A Simple Way to Grow the Game
For families, Pitch, Hit & Run is about fun, skill, and opportunity. For hosts, it’s a way to give back and open the door for more kids to experience those unforgettable moments.
“If we can get more people to host, more kids get the chance to do it,” Scott said. “Everyone wants their kid to try it, so host one yourself. That’s how we get the word out and grow the game.”
Host registration for the 2025–2026 Pitch, Hit & Run season is now open
Bring the fun and excitement of the game to your community and maybe even watch a future World Series competitor take their first swing.
