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.

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)

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 Cannon-Mac, Trinity, and Bentworth—the roster is stacked, with nine Cannon-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,” Head Coach John Przybylinski 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, 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 Coach John 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,” Godwin adds. “And it’s our job to defend it.”

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

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.