PHOENIX — The energy is still running high after a youth baseball team made history as the first Native American team to participate in the 2025 Babe Ruth World Series in Branson, Mo., last month.
The Na7ive Na7ions team was selected from over 160 players from more than 40 tribes in eight states. The team was chosen after competing in a tournament at Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale.
This historic moment was made possible by former professional baseball player and Na7ive Na7ions founder, DJ Carrasco.
“Na7ive Na7ions came together through years of conversations, relationship-building, and a shared vision to give Native athletes the same opportunities as anyone else,” Carrasco said. “It’s been about trust, respect, and a collective belief that our athletes deserve a place on the world stage.”
The youth baseball tournament offers a “big-league experience” that’s not always available to Tribal communities.
“Tribal communities are often overlooked, especially on the diamond,” explained Carrasco. “They deserve the same opportunities to be represented as sovereign Nations, just like every other country that competes internationally. When we invest in our communities, the impact lasts for generations. That seven-generational thinking is embedded in our name for a reason.”
For player Jace Huma, a proud 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 said. “I felt happy and full of pride knowing my family and friends who live on the Hopi reservation were cheering me on.”
Huma 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.”
“It was overwhelming—pride, joy, excitement,” added Carrasco. “My wife Autumn said, ‘We did it! Look at this team. They are here and being seen.’”
The team also received a Sportsmanship Award, voted on by staff, fans and other teams. “That proves that our athletes carried themselves with excellence on and off the field, and that’s something we’ll always be proud of,” said Carrasco.
What’s next? 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. 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.”
