Noel fourth in Pitch, Hit & Run

Bryan Noel / Eagle i contributor

Devin Noel slams the ball during the Pitch, Hit & Run at competition with the Florida Marlins at Dolphin Stadium.

Bryan Noel / Eagle i contributor

Devin Noel, second from left in top row, is with other Pitch, Hit & Run particpants as they are shown on major scoreboard during their introductions at Dolphin Stadium, home of the Florida Marlins.

Devin Noel placed fourth in the Florida Marlins Team Championship of the Major League Baseball Aquafina Pitch, Hit & Run.

Devin competed by winning the local competition, hosted by the City Parks & Rec Department and the regional event at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, spring home of the Minnesota Twins and Fort Myers Miracle in the summer.

The participants displayed their skills, despite the obvious nerves. The “pitching” part of the competition took place on an artificial surface, which was not conducive for a game-like setting. In the hitting portion of the competition, Devin faced strong competition as his opponents out-hit him by 50 feet. Finally, Devin, 14, ran hard in the running skill.

The team championship brought together the best in various age groups from four regions. Only the winners moved onto the national finals.

“The competition was very stiff,” Noel said. “Overall it was a really fun experience and I got to meet the Marlins players.”

Following the competition the participants and relatives were guests of the Marlins for a professional baseball game. Going with Noel were his dad, Bryan, sister Desiree and brothers Dylan and Dustin.