❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
📅 Event Basics
What is the Hit-A-Thon?
It’s a fun league event where players hit baseballs for points, compete in skill challenges, and raise money to support Patriot Baseball—all while earning prizes.
When and where is the event?
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: Starts as early as 9:00 a.m. (exact team times shared a few days before)
Location: Shira Field, Field 7 (San Diego)
Who can participate?
All players on a 2026 Patriot Baseball Junior League spring roster.
Is participation required?
No. Participation is optional—but encouraged! Every player still receives rewards just for joining. Players using only free pitches must complete the 2026 Hit-A-Thon RSVP form by May 2.
⚾ Participation & Gameplay
How does the event work?
Players take all of their pitches in one round and earn points based on where the ball lands. After hitting, they immediately participate in optional running and throwing competitions.
How many pitches does each player get?
Every player starts with 4 free pitches and can earn up to 15 total through fundraising.
What counts as a pitch?
Once the ball is pitched, it counts whether the player swings or not (unless there is a machine malfunction).
Can players use a tee?
Yes, but only on their final pitch if they haven’t made contact.
💰 Fundraising & Donations
How do players raise money?
Players ask family, friends, and supporters to donate online, by check, or in cash.
How do online donations work?
Each player receives a personal 99Pledges page to share via email, text, or social media. Donors can give securely by credit card.
When is the fundraising deadline?
Online donations close May 8 at 11:59 p.m.
How do we track cash and check donations?
All cash and check donations collected before the deadline must be entered on the official tracking sheet in order to count toward individual and team fundraising prize totals.
👉 Official Tracking Sheet for Cash & Checks
Can we still bring cash or checks on event day?
Yes. Donations brought on event day (or not entered on the tracking sheet before the deadline) can still be accepted and will count toward earning additional pitches, as long as they are turned in before the player’s turn at bat.
However, these will not count toward Top Fundraiser prizes.
Who are checks made payable to?
Patriot Baseball
🎯 Pitches & Fundraising Rewards
How do players earn more pitches?
Based on total money raised:
$0 → 4 pitches
$1–$50 → 6 pitches
$51–$100 → 8 pitches
$101–$150 → 10 pitches
$151–$200 → 12 pitches
$201+ → 15 pitches (max)
Can players give their pitches to another player?
No. Pitches cannot be transferred.
🏆 Prizes & Incentives
What prizes can players win?
Individual:
Top Hitters (Top 3 win trophies), Home Run Champion, Top Fundraisers, Fastest Runner, Golden Arm, Target Winners, and Opportunity Drawings
Team:
Top Hitting Team, Top Fundraising Team, and Highest Participation Team (manager prize included)
Do all players get something?
Yes. Every participant receives a special gift.
Are there bonus rewards?
Yes. Raise $50 by April 25 to earn 5 extra raffle tickets. Players can also win a $10 snack bar card by hitting a field target.
🏃♂️ Skills Competitions
What is the Fastest Runner competition?
Players are timed running to second base on their final pitch. The fastest time wins.
What is the Golden Arm competition?
Players throw from near second base to a target behind home plate and continue throwing until they miss. The most successful throws wins.
📊 Scoring
How are points awarded?
Points are based on where the ball comes to rest, with higher points for balls hit in the air and farther distances (see scoring chart for full details).
Who keeps score?
Official scorers track all hits and calculate final scores.
⚖️ Tiebreakers
What happens if there’s a tie?
Ties are broken in this order:
Total donations raised
Number of pitches earned
Points from the player’s first hit
📌 Registration & Important Rules
Do players need to register?
Yes. Players using only free pitches must register by May 2 using the 2026 Hit-A-Thon RSVP form.
What equipment is allowed?
Only approved Little League bats may be used.
Does the event schedule change?
Yes. Start times depend on participation and will be shared a few days before the event.
🙌 General Questions
Why should my player participate?It’s a fun, high-energy event that builds confidence, encourages teamwork, and supports the league. Every player has multiple chances to win prizes—no matter their skill level.