The Brainerd Elks Batters Up Challenge is going to take place Sunday, July 21^st, 2024, at Oscar Kristofferson Park in Baxter.  The Elks "Batters Up" is a Free event for kids ages 5 to 15. This is a premier summer activity for the whole family sponsored by Elks Lodges across Minnesota. The top 3 hitters in each age group will receive an award and the top hitters will advance to the state competition Saturday August 24 in Gilman, MN. The Elks "Batters Up" highlights the Elks commitment to America's youth. There are 5 age divisions for boys and 5 age divisions for girls ranging in the ages from 5 to 15. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bat & batting helmet. Shared bats and helmets will be available for those who need them. The Elks desire, through their "Batters Up" program, to provide an interesting, character-building, competitive program for all girls and boys in the contest regardless of their previous athletic competition or abilities. 

Competition Overview

• Each participant will compete against children in the same age group by hitting balls for distance. The boys division will hit baseballs. The girls division will hit either baseballs or softballs.
• Participants are given up to 5 warm up swings and will then get ten swings to hit for distance.
• Participants accumulate points based on the distance each hit earns. The distance is determined at the point the ball stops (for 5-6 year olds) & at the point the ball first lands for all other age groups. Points are accumulated for all 10 hits. The zone chart outlines the various points awarded. Download a printable copy here.
• The champion in each individual age group will be determined by the participant with the most points (see Rules page for further details regarding ties).
• A complete set of rules can be downloaded here. Please download and read the rules prior to registering your child.
• Participants are encouraged to bring their own bat & batting helmet.  Shared bats & helmets will be available at the field if needed.
• Awards for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each age group