The Dark Knights, a youth baseball team from west Las Vegas, have finished an undefeated season and are now bound for the Minority Baseball Prospects Junior World Series in Atlanta.
Twelve‑year‑old Justice Moss, a utility player who patrols center field, outfield and third base, says the team’s cohesion has been the key to their perfect record. Eleven‑year‑old Messiah Woods, who mans shortstop and catcher, adds that the camaraderie on the field feels like a family.
Head coach CJ Woods, who grew up in the same neighborhood, notes that many inner‑city kids drop out of baseball by middle school, and he sees the Atlanta trip as a chance to change that narrative. He believes exposing his players to Black coaches and elite talent will spark a lasting love for the game.
Beyond the scoreboard, Woods emphasizes that baseball teaches resiliency and a tough mindset that translate to everyday challenges. The lessons learned on the diamond, he says, help the boys navigate life off the field.
A Community’s Pitch for Opportunity
To make the journey possible, the Dark Knights are staging two community fundraisers, rallying neighbors and local businesses to cover travel and accommodation costs. The fundraisers have already drawn support from schools, churches and small businesses, illustrating how the team’s ambition resonates far beyond the ballpark.