MILWAUKEE -- For Alina Elias, Kayleigh Allen and Janiya Pillow, Saturday night at American Family Field was unlike anything they’ve experienced before.

The three young softball players stepped onto the field ahead of Game 2 of the World Series between the Brewers and Rays, receiving recognition on baseball’s biggest stage for their accomplishments both on and off the diamond.

They’re three of the four recipients of the 2026 Jennie Finch Empowerment Award, presented by ARM & HAMMER, alongside Amarianna Hill, who was unable to attend Saturday’s ceremony.

“I’m very excited right now because it’s like a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Elias said before the ceremony. “I’m very grateful for MLB. I’m grateful for my youth academy. I’m grateful for MLB Develops, and I mean, where else would I want to be?”

Started in 2019 and now in its eighth year, the Jennie Finch Empowerment Award honors four girls each season who excel at MLB’s softball-based events: the Softball Breakthrough Series, Jennie Finch All-Star Classic, Elite Development Invitational and the Nike RBI World Series.

Recipients are recognized for demonstrating six guiding principles: leadership, motivation, commitment, dedication, humility and integrity.

Each winner receives a $10,000 college scholarship courtesy of ARM & HAMMER, along with recognition during a pregame ceremony before Game 2 of the World Series.

This year’s recipients represent four different communities and MLB youth development programs.

Elias, from Houston, earned the award at the All-Star Jennie Finch Classic. A catcher in the Houston Astros Nike RBI program, she hopes to continue playing softball in college and eventually build a career in the sport.

For Elias, Saturday’s recognition is about more than the individual honor.

“When I found out I was going to have this experience, really, it was more about being with these girls who also won a scholarship and award,” Elias said. “And really just showing what MLB Develops has to offer as far as scholarships, money, career in the future.”

Allen, from Carson, Calif., was recognized at the Softball Breakthrough Series. She has been eagerly anticipating the World Series ceremony since learning she would be part of it.

“I was just really surprised, and then I was just looking forward to this day, like ever since,” Allen said. “And I’m just really excited.”

Pillow, from Chicago, earned her award at the Nike RBI World Series. With thousands of fans expected to fill American Family Field, she admitted the occasion brought a few nerves.

“I’m really super, super excited,” Pillow said. “You know, I’m a little nervous. It’s a lot of people out there, but I just want to thank Jennie and ARM & HAMMER for bringing me out.”

Hill, from Forney, Texas, received her award at the Elite Development Invitational. A member of the Texas Rangers Youth Academy, Hill has been recognized for her positive attitude, leadership and commitment to community service.

When Hill first learned she’d won the award, she called her mother with a simple explanation.

“And I won it for being myself, for cheering for people, and just being me,” Hill said at the time.

That sentiment reflects the purpose of an award that recognizes much more than athletic ability.

For Olympic gold medalist Finch, who administers the award, the opportunity to support young athletes as they pursue their education and softball dreams is what makes the recognition meaningful.

“This changes the trajectory of their entire life,” Finch said previously. “They’re getting assistance to go accomplish their dreams, compete, play at the next level and most importantly, get their education, which is going to last forever.”

And on Saturday, three of this year’s recipients had another memory to carry with them: a chance to stand on a World Series field, celebrated not just for the players they are, but for the people they’re becoming.