WASHINGTON, PA (August 2026) — Paderborn, Germany, has won PONY Baseball’s European Zone to qualify for the 2026 Printscape PONY League World Series. This year’s squad will be making its fifth all-time appearance in the PLWS, continuing the German Baseball Academy’s record as the European program with the most 14U World Series appearances. 

Paderborn was dominant throughout tournament play, going undefeated in the European Zone Tournament and winning seven consecutive games. Along the way, they earned victories over Estonia (15–0), Netherlands Stars (13–2), Netherlands Elite (20–0), Netherlands Academy (10–0), Fermin Baseball Academy (12–0), and Czech Academy (17–2). In the final, Paderborn secured the championship with a 15–5 (5 inn.) win over the Czech U15 National Team, outscoring opponents 102–9 overall.

After an impressive showing throughout the tournament, it comes as no surprise that Paderborn points to its mindset and team approach as a key strength. “One of the team’s strengths is our mental makeup,” said manager Heiko Schumacher. “We will not give up until the last out is made. We play by our ‘Shieldwall’ philosophy where everybody plays his individual role in the bigger context of the team.”

Paderborn will look to make a strong impression in the 2026 tournament against top international competition. “We expect a tough tournament and know we must be ready from the start, as the format does not allow mistakes.”



Paderborn will open play against the South-Zone Champion at 4:30 PM/ET on Friday, August 7, at Historic Lew Hays PONY Field in Washington, PA.