We Too Play Ball: Native Youth Step Up to the Plate
Originally reported by ABC15 Arizona. Reposted with gratitude by Na7ive Na7ions.
Salt River Fields, Arizona → Branson, Missouri
July–August 2025
For the first time in Babe Ruth League history, a team made up entirely of Native American youth baseball players will compete on the national stage. And it all started at Salt River Fields in Arizona during the first-ever Na7ive Na7ions National Tournament—a gathering of more than 160 players from 40 tribes and 8 states.
As Adam Klepp reported for ABC15, the tournament was about more than wins and losses. It was about visibility, access, and proving what we’ve always known: our kids can play.
“We’re going to send a sovereign Native American team,” said DJ Carrasco, founder of Na7ive Na7ions.
“This is just another opportunity for our Native tribes across the country to be equals with everyone else that is out there playing.”
Building the Pipeline for Indigenous Athletes
Before this year, most Native players had to earn a spot on Team USA or travel far from home to get noticed by scouts. This tournament shifted that narrative—bringing the opportunity to them, on Native land, in front of Native communities.
Young players like Jayceon Hardy (Navajo Nation) are dreaming bigger than ever:
“I’d like to get to a D1 college, then from there, hopefully get a shot at the big leagues.”
From this inaugural tournament, an all-star team was selected to represent Native Nations at the Babe Ruth World Series in Branson, Missouri—marking a national first.
Read the Original Report
This repost honors and uplifts the original article by Adam Klepp, published July 30, 2025 by ABC15 Arizona.
Click here to read: “We too play ball,” Native American youth baseball players get historic opportunity
- Hosted on Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community land
- Powered by Na7ive Na7ions Tournament Series
- Future goals: college pathways, pro access, and cultural pride
Follow @na7ivena7ionsbaseball for team updates, tournament recaps, and youth highlights.