The Ramona Baseball Invitational returned this Memorial Day weekend, bringing together 100 youth teams from across Southern California for a three‑day showcase of skill and sportsmanship.
A Tournament With Deep Roots
Now in its third decade, the event has evolved from a modest pre‑All Star gathering into a premier All Star and travel‑ball competition that welcomes players aged five through fourteen.
Stephanie Cooter, president of Ramona Pony Baseball, highlighted the tournament’s growth, noting that participation has steadily increased since the first Invitational in 1992, when only a handful of teams took the field.
This year’s format featured three guaranteed games per team — two pool‑play contests and a single elimination bracket match — allowing squads to compete while ensuring every participant a chance at a medal, with Gold, Silver and Bronze awarded in the larger divisions.
More Than a Game
Beyond the diamonds, the Invitational serves as a tourism engine for the Ramona community, drawing families and fans who patronize local restaurants, shops and hotels, and generating measurable economic benefit for the area.
Parking managers reported counting roughly 1,800 vehicles in the lot on one of the busiest days, underscoring the event’s scale and the community’s reliance on volunteer support to keep the tournament running year after year.
Organizers say the success of the Invitational rests on a foundation of local involvement, from coaches and parents to sponsors and municipal partners, all working together to nurture the next generation of ballplayers.