There were celebrations in multiple communities after the first Native American team participated in the 2025 Babe Ruth World Series in Branson, Missouri in August.

A player from the Chandler-Gilbert area, Jace Huma, was on the Native Nations team that was selected from among more than 160 players from more than 40 tribes in eight states, according to a news release.

The team was chosen after competing in a tournament at Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale.

Huma, a member of the Hopi Tribe, it was an incredible experience.

“During the World Series, I was thinking about how it felt to be out there representing my Tribe while playing the game I truly love,” he stated in the release. “I felt happy and full of pride knowing my family and friends who live on the Hopi reservation were cheering me on.”

Huma stated was thrilled to “see the competitive and elite talent of other players” nationally and around the world.

“But the biggest highlight was making new friendships and training with health coaches. I truly enjoyed playing with them,” he stated.

Teammate Angel “J.J.” Medina, who lives in the Guadalupe/Tempe area and is from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, agrees.

“I was excited about the opportunity to go somewhere new, so everything just had me in awe. Being able to represent my Tribe in Missouri was something I never imagined would be possible. I feel blessed about the whole experience and opportunity I’ve been given.”

Another Arizonan, Sir Hendrix Sneezy of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, shared similar sentiments.

“I was thinking of how proud my family was and how it was a good opportunity for me to showcase my abilities ... and represent my Tribe and journey at the Babe Ruth World Series,” Sneezy stated.

The Native Nations team didn’t reach the championship bracket at the end of pool play. But there were highlights, including the team’s narrow 7-5 win over Glendive, Montana in a Diamond Bracket game.

The youth baseball tournament offers a “big-league experience” that’s not always available to Tribal communities. This historic appearance was made possible by former professional baseball player and Native Nations founder, DJ Carrasco.

Carrasco says it’ll be building on this momentum and “expanding programs, camps, strengthening partnerships and preparing Native athletes for international competition.”

He said it’s just the beginning.

“We’re laying a foundation that will open doors for generations of Native athletes," Carrasco stated. "But we can’t do it alone. Like I always say, a high tide rises all ships, and we need like-minded people and communities to be part of this journey with us and provide a lift.”

The organizers of the team listed many sponsors and others who helped make the season and trip happen, including The Salt River Fields at Talking Stick and the SRPMIC Fire Departments, along with their dedicated community members.

Anyone who wants to help sponsor the team, or to volunteer, donate or become a legacy partner, can visit na7ivena7ions.com.

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