JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WCYB) — The excitement of the MLB Speedway Classic spread to Johnson City as the Doughboys hosted the Play Ball initiative, drawing dozens of kids to the field for a morning of baseball fun.

The event aimed to get kids active and excited about the game. Participants engaged in various activities, including agility drills and basic hitting and throwing exercises.

“These events are really about fun regardless of whether you catch the ball, you miss the ball, you whiff, you hit a home run, but it’s really about getting the reps and we want to make sure that everyone has fun with the game,” David James, MLB Vice President of Baseball/Softball Development, said.

Play Ball hosts more than 40 events throughout the season. All the kids who participated in the Johnson City event went home with a souvenir bat and ball set to continue practicing at home.