Barrington’s Audrey Paxton recently competed in the East Region Semifinals of the Little League Home Run Derby. 

Paxton, who played in Barrington Little League’s Senior Softball Division this season, traveled to the Kansas City Royals stadium in late July to compete in the event. 

She was one of 20 Little League players — 10 for softball and 10 for baseball — from across the eastern United States to earn an invitation to the regional championship. More than 8,000 Little Leaguers entered the home run competition. 

Paxton qualified for the East Region Semifinals with an impressive performance in the Barrington Little League home run derby. She crushed 38 home runs in the three rounds. 

At East Region Semifinals, Paxton and the other Little Leaguers were given the “Royal” treatment. There was a special photo shoot for the players, and a private hospitality tent at the stadium. Little League paid for travel and hotel accommodations for each participant and a parent. 

The competition took place immediately following the Royals vs. Cubs game at Kauffman Stadium on July 28. The Major League field was transformed into Little League diamond for the competition. The softball and baseball players were brought onto the field and took turns swinging for the fences. Paxton bashed four softballs over the outfield fence, but the tally did not push her into the second round. The top four baseball and softball players from the East and West regions will compete at the National Championships in Williamsport, Pa. as part of the Little League World Series.

Paxton said she had a great experience. 

“My favorite part was meeting all the other girls from across the eastern US,” Paxton said. “They were all very nice and I’m looking forward to cheering them on in the finals.”