Metro kid wins MLB contest, competes for all expenses paid World Series trip

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Imagine an all expenses paid trip to the World Series.

One local kid in the Oklahoma City metro competed for a chance to go after winning an MLB Pitch, Hit and Run contest at the Bricktown Ballpark.

They don’t make ballparks big enough for Manny O’Dell.

"Ever since pre tee, hitting them over the fence,” Manny’s dad Mike said after throwing his son a few practice pitches at the Del City little league fields.

Manny is 12 years old and he has been playing baseball since he was 3. He’s a third baseman and isn’t at all afraid of the hot corner.

"What is it that you love about the game of baseball?" KFOR asked.

"Having fun,” Manny said.

Recently, he got to compete in the MLB’s Pitch, Hit and Run contest at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

"It was fun to do it, and it was just fun to be out there,” Manny said.

Kids from across the country compete to hit the ball the straightest and farthest, throw the most strikes and run the fastest. Fortunately, he earned a spot in the Texas Rangers team pitch, hit and run championship in Arlington, Texas. If he wins, he goes to the finals, which includes an all expenses paid trip to the World Series.

"He puts in a lot of hard work,” his mom, Kristi, said. “It's a lot of days spent out in the sun, in the heat. But it's all been worth it. It's all been worth it just to watch him grow up."

His parents have had Manny since he was 10 months old. They officially adopted him when he was 2.

"A lot of kids in foster care struggle and, you know, don't have good lives, and but I think he's flourished and is doing well,” Kristi said.

Manny looks up to his dad's grandson, Josh. He plays college baseball in Arkansas and Manny said he helps him practice.

Manny’s also a center on his junior high football team in Del City. He has dreams of his own to play college ball one day and eventually hopes to go pro. That’s something his parents encourage, with an emphasis to keep working hard.

"You might have an opportunity to go to the major leagues and play in the MLB or in the NFL. I said, But if you don't, it's okay. Just do your best. All you can do. Follow your dream,” Kristi said.

The championship in Arlington was Saturday, August 31.

We learned that Manny placed 4th. Although he did not win a trip to the World Series, he was awarded with two tickets to an MLB game, which will be his first MLB game.