The Mafia Baseball Club, a newly assembled squad from the Pacific Northwest, captured the regional championship in Calgary, Alberta, securing the Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament title and earning a coveted spot in the Babe Ruth World Series. Their victory marks a rapid rise for a team that only entered the summer 2025 season.
Formed in the summer of 2025, the club is guided by coaches Luke Roth and Mateo Vodjansky, who have built a roster drawn from Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside, Knappa and other small communities in Clatsop County, Washington, and Oregon. Their mission is to give under‑represented athletes a chance to develop outside the traditional high school season.
Standout performances from Oliver Stevens and Zephan Pierce helped swing the final game, while Luke Roth, also the founder of Mid‑Major Media, a platform dedicated to spotlighting these athletes, said the triumph reflects the power of community support.
The World Series is scheduled to run from July 27 to August 5 in Branson, Missouri, and the club now turns its focus to fundraising to cover travel, accommodation and equipment costs. Their campaign is being amplified by live streams on the subscription service SportsEngine Play, allowing fans across the country to follow each inning.
Organizers stress that the tournament serves as a developmental stepping stone, offering players exposure to college scouts and professional prospects while reinforcing the importance of grassroots baseball in smaller towns.
Road to Branson
The upcoming World Series will bring together the region’s best amateur talent, and the Mafia Baseball Club is poised to represent the Northwest on a national stage. Games will be streamed live, providing a unique opportunity for viewers to experience the excitement in real time.
Beyond the scoreboard, the club’s journey underscores a broader narrative of resilience and regional pride. As they prepare to step onto the fields in Branson, the team carries the hopes of Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside, Knappa and the wider Pacific Northwest, aiming to prove that dedication and community can compete at the highest level of amateur baseball.