WASHINGTON, PA (July 28, 2026) — Hidalgo, TX, has won PONY Baseball’s South Zone to qualify for the 2026 Printscape PONY League World Series. This year’s Texan squad will mark the first time a team from Hidalgo has qualified. 



Hidalgo arrives with a team defined not just by talent, but by its strong bond off the field. Built on years of playing together, this group has developed a unique chemistry. “Our biggest strength is the connection these players have with one another,” said Head Coach Miguel Puente. “They’ve grown up together and truly play like a family. That trust and support carries over every time they take the field.”

Hidalgo earned its South Zone title in dominant fashion, opening the tournament with two wins in pool play, including a 21–0 victory over Rayne, LA, and a 15–0 shutout of Lake Arthur, LA. In bracket play, Hidalgo beat the Renegades 6–0, followed by a 4–0 triumph over NASA Houston Orange in the semifinals. In the championship game, Hidalgo secured the title with an 8–4 victory over the Rio Grande Valley Broncos. The team outscored opponents 54–4 overall, including four consecutive shutouts to begin the tournament.

As the team prepares for its World Series debut, the focus has been on sharpening fundamentals while embracing the moment. “The excitement is definitely there, but the players are focused,” Puente added. “At this point, it’s about tightening the details, trusting each other, and playing the game the right way.”

While the opportunity to compete is a major goal, the experience itself carries even greater meaning for the Hidalgo community. As the first team from the city to reach this stage, the group understands the significance of representing something bigger than themselves. The state of Texas brings a rich history into the tournament as well, with five all-time PONY League World Series championships—second-most of any U.S. state—including the inaugural title in 1952. “This is a special moment for our players and our city,” Puente said. “It’s about showing what’s possible for the kids back home and representing our community with pride.”

Hidalgo will open tournament play against the European Zone champions, Paderborn, Germany, on August 7 at 4:30 PM/ET at Historic Lew Hays PONY Field in Washington, PA.