Local ball player shows off her skills at Yankee Stadium

Twelve-year-old Sarah Terry, a seventh grade student at Owego-Apalachin Middle School, competed in the Scotts Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit and Run program on May 27 at Yankee Stadium. Terry took home a second place finish.

A veteran of the competition, last Sunday’s second place finish was actually her second time getting that far. Her previous second place finish was in 2015 at age nine. 

According to MLB.com, the Pitch, Hit and Run program is in its 22nd year and is open to boys and girls ages seven to 14, and where youth demonstrate their skills by competing in pitching, hitting and running activities.  

The competition, with participants from all over the state, was developed by Major League Baseball and USA Baseball to encourage youth participation in the sport. Top nationwide competitors from four age groups go on to the National Finals, which occur during MLB All-Star Week.  

For Sarah Terry, her 2018 run started at the Owego Little League complex where she placed first in her age group. She participated at the next level at NYSEG Stadium where she placed first again and then traveled to Yankee Stadium, and all over the course of the last three Sundays in May.

The program involves pitching, whereby athletes get six shots to throw a ball and hit a target, along with running, where a run from second to third base and finally home is timed. Lastly, youth get three attempts to hit balls from a tee, the goal being to drive longer and straighter down a given line. For each category, youth are awarded points, which in turn determines final placement.

For her accomplishment, Sarah was awarded a plaque, a shirt and hat, as well as the opportunity to stay and watch a Yankees game. 

Sarah is the daughter of Steve and Melissa Terry of Owego and has one brother and two sisters. Sarah takes inspiration from her siblings, too; her sister was a member of the Owego Free Academy champion volleyball team. The family moved here from Atlanta, Ga. eight years ago.

Sarah now plays on the school softball team, where she primarily covers first base, and also plays volleyball. An avid ball player since age five, Sarah had played baseball up until this year.  

Sarah’s mother, Melissa, explained that her daughter’s transition to softball has gone well, although there have been a few adjustments, especially in hitting different pitch types and speeds.

And as for another shot at the Pitch, Hit and Run championship, the final age group eligible is 13-14, so Sarah has future opportunities. Melissa remarked that more than likely Sarah would try again, so stay tuned for next year.