Newport News - SportsCombine.Com was on hand at Crittenden Elementary School to capture video and pictures of youngsters between the ages of 7-14 who were participating in the annual Diamond Skills Competition sponsored by Major League Baseball. It was obvious that these youngsters were excited and gave it their best. The youngest to attend were 7 & 8 year olds (shown left) from left to right: Alex Shackleford, Eric Hodges, Cody Connell and Hunter Davenport

. The participants were broken down into age groups and given the chance to demonstrate their skills in the areas of batting, fielding/throwing and base running. The three groups rotated from three different areas where they participated. Three or more field judges would measure their distance in hitting. Upon completion of their hitting, they would go to a different area to compete in the fielding and throwing event. The last event for the afternoon would be the base running. Each participant would begin at second base. A judge would be placed at each base to make sure that each base was touched and not missed. The starter would give each runner instructions on what he was to do and the command to begin. The runner would have to run as fast as he could from second to home. The runner was timed as soon as he touched home plate.

Parents and spectators were assisting or offering words of encouragement to each participant. The local winners will advance to Sectional/Regional competition. The top leaders are featured on SportsCombine.Com under Diamond Skills. Just click on the Diamond Skill logo and you will be taken to all the updates and top competors. See videos and pictures taken at Crittenden below: