Washington, PA – Simi Valley, CA, has won PONY Baseball and Softball’s West Zone to qualify for the 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series. This marks the third time a team from Simi Valley will make the trip to Washington. 

In the West Zone tournament, played in West Covina, CA, Simi Valley opened with a commanding 22-2 victory over Rodeo, CA, followed by a narrow 2-1 win over Hilo, HI. Simi then beat Rodeo again 8-3, followed by a 6-0 shutout over West Covina, CA, to win the zone. 

Led by Head Coach Josh Carter, the Simi Valley team boasts more than just talent, they carry years of experience, unity, and resilience.

“One of the greatest strengths of our team is the chemistry and trust that has been built over years of playing together,” said Carter. “The majority of these boys have been teammates at Simi Youth Baseball since they were five and six years old, growing up on the field together and forming a deep bond that shows in how well they communicate and play as a unit.”

This roster is no stranger to the spotlight. With previous appearances at the 6U, 7U, 10U, and 12U PONY World Series, including two championship titles, Simi Valley enters the tournament battle-tested and prepared.

“This trip to the PONY League World Series in Washington, Pennsylvania, has been years in the making,” Carter added. “This group of dedicated players set their sights on one goal: representing Simi Valley on one of youth baseball’s biggest stages in their final chapter before entering high school.”

Preparation has been key to their success. With a grueling practice schedule and a determination to face the toughest competition available, the team has pushed themselves in every aspect of the game.

“Their schedule has been relentless,” said Carter. “We’ve had two to three practices every week focused on sharpening skills, building chemistry, and preparing for the high-pressure moments that come with elite competition.”

While Simi Valley certainly has its sights set on bringing home a championship, Coach Carter emphasized that the team’s mission extends beyond winning.

“What matters most is that we leave it all out on the field, compete with heart, and represent Simi Valley and the West Coast with pride,” Carter said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”

As they prepare to take on some of the best teams from around the world, Simi Valley’s young stars carry the hopes of their community, and a legacy years in the making.

Watch Simi Valley, CA, as they kick off the 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series on Friday, August 8, in game one against Taichung, Chinese Taipei, at 4:30 PM/ET.

Washington, PA – Corpus Christi, TX, has won PONY Baseball and Softball’s South Zone to qualify for the 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series. This marks the fourth time a team from Corpus Christi has qualified for the World Series. 

Corpus Christi went 5-1 in the South Zone tournament, which was hosted in Youngsville, LA. The Corpus Christi squad opened with a 15-0 win over Bastrop, then lost to NASA Orange 8-6. The Texas rallied back with a 9-2 victory of International Westside Outlaws, 13-1 win over White Settlement, a 9-0 shutout over San Juan, and a finally a 2-0 win over Palmview to win the zone.

Led by head coach Alberto Ortiz, the Devils showed resilience and consistency throughout the tournament. 

“We play smart, situational baseball and support each other through every inning,” said Ortiz. “Our team’s greatest strength lies in our baseball IQ and mental toughness. That unity and ability to bounce back makes us stronger every game.”

The Corpus Christi’s preparation is built on consistency and a commitment to fundamentals. 

Ortiz emphasized, “We’re sticking to what’s brought us success all season, focusing on fundamentals, sharpening our skills, and working to improve every day. Our practices are intentional and game-like, allowing us to fine-tune our execution while maintaining the high standards we’ve set for ourselves since day one.”

Now, Corpus Christi is focused on one thing - the World Series. 

“We expect to compete,” Ortiz continued. “This tournament brings together some of the best teams in the world, and we’re excited to be among them. We know we’ll be in tight games against great opponents, and we’re ready for that level of intensity. Above all, we expect to play the game the right way, with respect, hustle, and heart.”

The heart of this team, however, goes far beyond the box scores.

“This team is more than just players on a roster, we’re a family,” Ortiz said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to showcase what we’ve worked for, and we’re proud to represent our community on a world stage. No matter the outcome, we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”

Watch as Corpus Christi takes on Bay County, MI in game four of the Printscape PONY League World Series on Saturday, August 9, at 2:30 PM/ET.

Washington, PA — The Bronx, NY, has won PONY Baseball and Softball’s East Zone to qualify for the 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series. This marks the third time a team from the Bronx will make the trip to Washington, PA. 

In the East Zone tournament in High Point, NC, the Bronx opened with a 17-3 victory over High Point, followed by a 16-2 win over the Ohio Prospects and another 5-4 win over the Ohioans to secure the zone title. 

Head Coach Jeffrey Gutierrez is leading a team that believes in unity and hustle over flash. "Our team strengths are our team chemistry," Gutierrez said. "We’re preparing for the World Series by trying to be mentally prepared and be ready for any adversity, and also playing our style of baseball."

For Gutierrez and his team, success isn’t just about talent. It’s about growing each game, learning from every inning, and never taking any opponent lightly.

"Our expectations are to fix our mistakes and to not underestimate any teams," Gutierrez emphasized. 

Watch the Bronx, NY, take the field as they face South Hills, PA, in game two of the Printscape PONY League World Series on Friday, August 8, at 7:30 PM ET. 

WASHINGTON, PA. - Barranquilla, Colombia, won PONY Baseball and Softball’s Caribbean Zone to qualify for the 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series. This marks the first time a team from Colombia has qualified for the event.

In the Caribbean Zone tournament, Colombia got off to a rocky start, dropping its first game 7-4 to Curacao. They then followed that with four straight wins, beating Guatemala 8-5, Bonaire 15-2, Chile 6-5, and Puerto Rico 5-4. 

After a rocky start with a 7-3 loss to Curaçao, Colombia flipped the script and stormed through the rest of the bracket. They edged out Guatemala 8-5, steamrolled Bonaire 15-2, and held on for a heart-stopping 6-5 win against Chile. The final test came against Puerto Rico, and the Champs delivered in the clutch with a dramatic 5-4 victory to secure their spot.

Colombia’s coach, Juan Ariza, believes his team’s strength is its timely offense

“Our strengths are speed and timely offense,” said Arizia. “That’s how we battled back. These boys never gave up."

It's been a long road to get to Washington for the Colombians, but they are ready to play ball. 

“We are preparing through group training and friendly matches. Our biggest desire is to be PONY World Series champions,” Arizia said. “And we want to show the world that Colombia has the talent to represent our flag with pride on an international stage.”

As the first Colombian team to qualify for the PONY League World Series, their presence in Washington, PA, marks a new era of international baseball growth. It's more than just a game, but also a symbol of opportunity, ambition, and national pride.

Watch Colombia make history Sunday, August 10, at 12 PM/ET against the winner of Game 4, Corpus Christi, TX vs Bay County, MI. 

Bay County Storms Through North Zone Qualifier, Secures Return to the PONY League World Series

Washington, PA — Bay County, Michigan is heading back to Washington, PA, and they’re doing it in style. This powerhouse team dominated the North Zone Qualifying Tournament, rolling through opponents with a perfect blend of power and precision.

Bay County came out tough and didn’t look back. In a dominant stretch, they took down ACBA Kankakee 16–1, followed by an 11–1 win over Bay County 2, a 19–1 rout of Bay County 3, and a final 17–2 statement victory. Over four games, they scored a staggering 63 runs while only giving up 5.

“This team’s strength is our camaraderie and our will to work together,” said Bay County’s head coach Craig Revette. “We pride ourselves on being a true team and making sacrifices for the good of everyone. Ultimately, we want our players to understand that every one of them has an important role, it takes all 15 to win.”

The team prepared for the North Zone by facing older competition in warm-up tournaments. Now, with their ticket punched to the PLWS, preparations continue. “We’ll be bringing in past players to speak about their experiences in Washington,” Coach Revette shared. “Some of those former players will also help work with our team to better prepare us.”

This trip holds special meaning for the Bay County staff. “I have so many fond memories of the PLWS. One of my favorites was seeing Lew Hays Field for the first time when I was 15, when my dad coached in 1998. I never got to be a player on that field, but just being there felt like a dream come true,” said Coach Revette. “I’ve been blessed to coach nephews, my son, and so many great young men over the years. My hope for the continued legacy of Bay County is that someday my boys, and at least some of these players, will bring a team of their own back to the World Series and be able to reminisce about their memories.”

As for expectations? The team is staying focused. “We want to win games and advance as far as possible,” said Coach Revette. “But in the end, we want our players to walk away with memories and experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

Bay County looks forward to once again stepping onto the legendary field in Washington. “We love going there,” Coach Revette added. “We feel truly lucky and blessed to be back again this year.”

Watch Bay County as they take on the South Zone Champions on Saturday August 9 at 2:30 PM ET.

Monterrey, Mexico Claims Mexico Zone Championship, Returns to the Printscape PONY League World Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods for Fifth Time

Washington, PA – Monterrey, Mexico is officially headed back to Washington, Pennsylvania, after capturing the Mexico Zone title and earning a spot in the 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series (PLWS). This marks Monterrey’s fifth PLWS appearance, further cementing its status as one of Mexico’s premier youth baseball programs.

Mandarinia, from Monterrey Mexico dominated the Mexico Zone Tournament, securing their spot in the 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series. In game one, they shut out Ahome in a 15-0 scoring game. Game two on the other hand Mandarinia lost to Tijuana 4-6; however, that was the only loss that Mandarinia faced. Game three of pool play they beat Beto Avila 15-4, and in the final game of pool play they beat Cachorros de Jimenez 16-2. In the quarterfinals of tournament play, they shut out Liga Centauros 13-0, to advance them into the semifinals where they won 15-2 against Liga Villahermosa. Mandarina went on to the finals against previous loss, Tijuana and beat them 6-0.

Monterrey’s legacy at the PLWS is rich with history. In 1959, they became the first international team to compete in the tournament. In 1972, Monterrey etched its name in the record books by becoming the only Mexican team to win a PONY League World Series title. They returned in 2022—exactly 50 years later—and made a thrilling run to the championship game, ultimately finishing as runner-up. In 2023, Monterrey made back-to-back appearances, reaching the semifinals.

Their 2022 campaign was highlighted by dominant performances, including a 14–2 win over host Washington County, PA, and standout pitching from Miguel Hernandez and Emiliano Martinez. In 2023, Monterrey showcased their offensive firepower with a 16–1 rout of Manchester, NH, and a thrilling revenge win over Washington County, led by 12 strikeouts from Luis Guajardo.

This year head coach, Enrique Hinajosa says, “I believe the team is very consistent. We have prepared pitchers with the mental strength to handle any situation, as well as power hitters with extensive experience in high-level tournaments.” They are training with team workouts, and participating in some Saturday league tournaments to prepare for the PONY League World Series.

Representing a vibrant city of over 1.1 million residents and located 1,765 miles from Washington, PA, Monterrey’s participation brings international excitement and elite talent to the PLWS stage once again.

Monterrey, Mexico will see the stage August 9 at 5PM/ET against the winner of Game #2 (Host Area Zone Championship vs East Zone Area Championship)

Chinese Taipei Heads to the PONY League World Series After Undefeated Run in Asia-Pacific Zone Qualifying Tournament

WASHINGTON, Pa. — The 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods will once again welcome one of its most consistent contenders to Historic Lew Hays PONY Field, as Chinese Taipei prepares to represent the Asia-Pacific Zone in this year’s international youth baseball championship.

The team is composed of top players from Taichung City, including athletes from Zhongshan Junior High School and the Taichung City United Team, both known for producing elite youth talent in Taiwan’s robust baseball system.

“We are a team from Chinese Taipei, bringing together outstanding young baseball players from Taichung City,” said Head Coach Chao-Sheng Chang. “We’re proud to represent the Asia-Pacific region at the 2025 PONY League World Youth Baseball Championship.”

Chinese Taipei earned its World Series berth after advancing through highly competitive regional play. They opened the tournament with a 6-0 win over the Philippines, then overwhelmed Guam 18-0. The momentum continued as they blanked Korea 12-0, shut out Hong Kong 10-0, and capped off the streak with a second shutout over the Philippines, 7-0. Chinese Taipei scored 53 runs, and gave up 0.

“We have been conducting high-intensity and high-discipline training since the beginning of camp,” Chang said. “Our preparation includes physical and technical training, simulated game situations, and tactical drills. Our goal is to ensure every player performs consistently under pressure.”

According to Chang, the team’s key strengths lie in its cohesion and balance. Despite players coming from different school programs, they’ve built strong chemistry through training and competition. With a deep and organized pitching staff, powerful bats, and reliable defense, Chinese Taipei will arrive in Washington ready to contend.

“Our players are known for their discipline, aggressive approach, and ability to adjust to any game situation,” Chang added.

Beyond the competition itself, the team is eager for the cultural and personal experiences the PONY League World Series provides.

“We are most looking forward to competing with and learning from outstanding teams from around the world,” said Chang. “It’s an incredible opportunity for our players to grow through international competition and to share the Taiwanese baseball spirit.”

Coach Chang expressed gratitude to the many supporters who helped make this journey possible, including parents, schools, the Taichung City Government Education Bureau, and community organizations..

“We are honored to represent our region and country. No matter the result, we will give our best effort, respect our opponents, and play exciting baseball. We hope the people of Taiwan will support us and cheer us on as we take the international stage.”

Chinese Taipei will make their appearance at the Printscape PONY League World Series as they compete against the West Zone Champions August 8, 2025 at 4:30 PM ET.

Washington County Named Host Team for 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods

Washington, PA – The hometown heroes are back in the spotlight. Washington County, Pennsylvania, has officially selected its team to represent the birthplace of PONY Baseball and Softball as the Host Team for the 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series, returning this August to the one-and-only Historic Lew Hays PONY Field.

With deep roots in the game and the full force of the community behind them, Washington County holds the distinction as the only guaranteed U.S. team in the tournament. That means the pressure is real—but so is the pride.

Built from the Founder's League’s 21-team talent pool—including players from Canon Mac, Trinity, Bentworth, and Charleroi—the roster is stacked, with nine Canon Mac standouts leading the way. This group is gritty, battle-tested, and fueled by the energy only a hometown crowd can bring.

“We have a lot of elite level arms and great attitudes all together,” Washington County’s Head Coach John Przybylinski Jr. says.

Coach John Przybylinski, a former Connellsville High and Waynesburg University catcher, brings years of experience and a full-circle moment to the dugout—coaching alongside his father, John Przybylinski Sr., the man who first taught him to love the game. “To experience this with him is awesome. He’s my role model in coaching and in life. It’s something we’ll never forget.”

Washington County has been here before—and they know what it takes. Just ask anyone who watched their electric run to the semifinals in 2023. But this year’s group is setting its sights higher. “We're preparing minds just as much as bodies,” says Przybylinski. “Mental reps, physical reps, everything. As Yogi [Berra] said, ‘Baseball is 90% mental. The other half is physical.’”

From day one, they’re embracing the responsibility of representing Washington County—and defending home turf. “The world comes to Washington County August 8–13,” Przybylinski adds. “And it’s our job to defend it.”

Don’t miss Washington County’s opening showdown against Italy on August 9th at 12 PM EST. 

For more information, visit plws.org.

Italy Crowned European Zone Champion, Set to Make Debut at 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series

Washington, PA – For the first time ever, Italy is heading to the Printscape PONY League World Series, presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. 

PONY Baseball and Softball is proud to announce that Italy, represented by the Francisco Cervelli IABF Academy based in Tuscany, has claimed the European Zone Championship and punched its ticket to the 2025 Printscape PONY League World Series (PLWS). Their debut is set for August 9 at 12 PM EST against the host team, Washington County, at Historic Lew Hays PONY Field.

Their journey to Washington, PA, wasn’t just about wins—it was about dominance. Racking up 44 runs while giving up just 9, Italy capped off their championship run with a commanding 15-5 victory over the German Baseball Academy. Now, they’re ready to trade their Tuscan backdrop for the buzz of a global stage.

“The real strength of this team is how well they work together, like they’ve played side-by-side their whole lives,” said Head Coach Riccardo Ferretti.

The Francisco Cervelli IABF Academy isn’t your typical baseball program. Founded in 2013 by Deborah Scalabrelli, Gianni Natale, and Marco Mazzieri, the Academy blends physical training, mental preparation, and a love for the game into one all-encompassing experience. Their goal is to grow the next generation of Italian baseball stars, and they’re doing just that.

While the team prepares for the PLWS with continued training and league play, they’re not taking this opportunity for granted. “It’s amazing! Representing our country for the first time is incredible,” the Academy shared. “We’re proud. The guys were great. We’re excited. This is the dream.”

And there’s another Pittsburgh connection fans will love. The Academy is named after former Major League catcher Francisco Cervelli, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2015 to 2019. With Cervelli’s legacy tied to the Steel City, the Italian team’s arrival in Washington, PA, feels like a full-circle moment.

Italy will play its first game on Saturday, Aug. 9, at 12 PM/ET against host team Washington County, PA.