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The FIRST Pitch: A Robot, A Baseball, A Major League Moment

The image features a baseball stadium with "FIRST Pitch" text, a bird logo, and FIRST Chesapeake logos. The background is orange-hued.

FIRST Chesapeake is teaming up with the Baltimore Orioles to bring you something truly unforgettable: The FIRST Pitch - a robotics challenge that ends with a FIRST robot throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Camden Yards on Sunday, August 24, 2025.


What is The FIRST Pitch?

FIRST Chesapeake teams (FRC and FTC) across DC, MD, and VA are invited to design a robot that can safely pitch a baseball, while telling the world why their team should be chosen for the spotlight moment. This is your chance to showcase not just your robot, but your story, your team spirit, and how you reflect the core values of FIRST.


Robot Specifications

Footprint

Must be able to fit through standard sized doors and be transportable to and from the stadium.

Weight

Must be able to be lifted with no more than two individuals and carried at least 60 feet to the mound. 

Mechanism

Catapult, piston, or flywheel-based throwing system

Throw Range

Must be able to throw from a maximum of 60 ft and adjustable to a minimum of 45 ft.

Throwing Velocity

No more than 50 mph

Control

Remote-operated (tethered or wireless) with ability to emergency stop

Safety

Emergency stop, enclosed moving parts

Branding

FIRST Chesapeake + Team logos encouraged; flair welcome; Optional LED countdown

How to Enter

  • Create a 60–90 second public Instagram video featuring:

    • A team introduction

    • Why your team should be chosen

    • How you embody the FIRST Core Values

    • Your robot safely and successfully pitching a baseball


  • Post the video by August 12, 2025


What’s at Stake?

One winning team will throw the ceremonial first pitch live at the Orioles’ home game on August 24, in front of thousands of fans. Select videos will also be featured across social media channels.


Judging Criteria

Teams will be scored on:

  • Robot Functionality

  • FIRST Core Values

  • Persuasive Appeal

  • Creativity & Showmanship

  • Safety & Control

  • Social Engagement Readiness



Contact

Follow: @firstchesapeake | @orioles


This is more than a competition—it’s a chance to show the world what FIRST Chesapeake STEM talent can really do!


Let’s pitch like pros.

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