Visalia, California, has been chosen to host the 2026 Central California Cal Ripken 11U State Tournament and the 2026 Cal Ripken 12U Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament, events that will draw young baseball teams from across the western United States to compete for championships and a pathway to the Cal Ripken World Series.
Visalia’s Turn on the National Stage
The 11U State Tournament is scheduled for June 20 through June 27 and will feature fifteen teams from the Central Valley battling for the state title. Winners will advance to the 11U Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament in Fallon, Nevada, later in July.
Following that, the 12U Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament will take place from July 13 to July 18, gathering squads from California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Hawaii and Guam. The champion of that regional will earn a spot in the Cal Ripken World Series, which is set for August in Branson, Missouri.
A Legacy Built on Community
Visalia Youth Baseball, founded in the 1950s by longtime advocate Clyde Soto, has grown into a six‑time Cal Ripken World Series champion and now serves more than one thousand young athletes and their families. The organization’s storied past adds a layer of prestige to the upcoming tournaments, underscoring the city’s commitment to nurturing talent from the ground up.
All games will be played at the Shannon Baseball Complex within Riverway Sports Park, a venue that has become a focal point for community gatherings and youth development. The complex’s modern facilities are expected to provide an optimal environment for the participating teams and their supporters.