A vibrant gathering of Indigenous youth is taking place this week at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, where the Na7ive Na7ions 16U National Baseball Tournament is unfolding over four days.
Eleven teams representing tribal and Indigenous communities across the Southwest and beyond are competing for a national championship and a coveted berth in the Babe Ruth World Series.
The event was founded by former Major League Baseball pitcher DJ Carrasco, who spent a decade and a half in the big leagues from 1997 through 2012, notably with the Kansas City Royals and the New York Mets.
Culture and Community on Full Display
Beyond the competition, the tournament is anchored by the HomePlate initiative, which weaves healthy snacks, hydration stations and wellness education into the fan experience, underscoring a commitment to youth wellbeing.
Families and spectators alike describe the atmosphere as more than a sporting event; they speak of a palpable sense of community, accessibility and cultural pride that binds participants from rural and tribal backgrounds.
The tournament also shines a light on Native-owned vendors, artists and businesses, turning the ballpark into a marketplace of cultural expression and economic opportunity.
With Major League Baseball listed as a partner and the Babe Ruth World Series providing a pathway to the national stage, the event bridges grassroots passion with established baseball institutions.