MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins celebrated the second annual Play Ball Weekend this weekend. The program, complementary of the Play Ball initiative, is a league-wide effort for all 30 clubs to engage with young fans and celebrate the support of youth participation in both baseball and softball.
Minnesota hosted multiple events on Friday and Saturday to contribute to MLB's efforts and introduce the sports to kids in the area. In a partnership with Great River Energy, the Twins offered free youth baseball clinics in Inver Grove Heights, New Ulm and Waseca, Minn.
In addition, Target Field was the setting for the Scotts Pitch, Hit & Run competition on Saturday morning. More than 650,000 children competed in the event across the nation, including 24 in Minneapolis. They are competing for a chance to advance to the finals during 2017 All-Star Week at Marlins Park.
All 30 clubs will distribute plastic bat and ball sets throughout the United States and Canada. The Twins will hand out their sets on Sunday, July 9.