When the crack of a bat echoes across Todd Field at South Tahoe Middle School, something magical happens. Local baseball dreams are taking shape as the 14U All-Star team prepares to battle it out in the Nevada State Babe Ruth championship series, with high stakes and regional pride on the line.

A Championship Battle Heats Up

The hometown squad, managed by Albert Aquino, is set to face off against Fallon in a thrilling double-header starting Monday, June 30 at 4:30 p.m. With a potential third game on Tuesday, July 1, these young athletes are laser-focused on securing their spot in the Pacific Southwest Regional tournament, where they’ll represent Nevada against powerhouse teams from Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Utah.

Local Heroes Take the Field

This season’s championship drama unfolded between two incredible teams: the undefeated Orioles, coached by Frank Abbondandolo and Joel Gomez, and the scrappy Diamondbacks, led by Daren and Elijah Hammer. In a nail-biting series, the Diamondbacks initially stunned everyone with a razor-thin 9-8 victory, but the Orioles ultimately claimed the 2025 league championship.

Community Spirit Drives the Game

Beyond the athletic prowess, what makes this tournament special is the grassroots community support. With a snack shack serving up classic ballpark fare and local business Raleys providing generous donations, this isn’t just a baseball tournament, it’s a celebration of small-town spirit and youth athletics. Fans are encouraged to come cheer on these young athletes as they chase their baseball dreams under the Tahoe sun.

The journey continues, and these young players are writing their own legend, one pitch at a time.