A Regional Triumph in Calgary
The Mafia Baseball Club, a Pacific Northwest team, captured the regional championship in Calgary, Alberta, last weekend, defeating a field of competitive opponents to claim the title that guarantees a place in the Babe Ruth World Series.
Scheduled to run from July 27 to August 5, the World Series will take place in Branson, Missouri, where the club will join teams from across the country in a showcase of youth baseball talent.
The club, formed in the summer of 2025, is guided by coaches Luke Roth and Mateo Vodjansky, both of whom bring extensive experience in developing underrepresented athletes from smaller schools and communities throughout Oregon.
Roster spots are filled by local standouts from Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside and Knappa, with recent standout performances from Oliver Stevens and Zephan Pierce helping secure the regional victory.
To offset travel and accommodation costs, the team has launched a fundraising campaign and will broadcast each World Series game on the subscription streaming platform SportsEngine Play, allowing fans nationwide to follow the action.
Luke Roth, who also founded Mid-Major Media to spotlight athletes from overlooked programs, emphasized that the club’s mission extends beyond competition, aiming to provide extra reps and development opportunities outside the high school season.
The upcoming participation marks a significant milestone for the squad and underscores the growing visibility of baseball in the Pacific Northwest, with community support expected to play a pivotal role in their World Series experience.
Live Coverage and Community Impact
Fans can tune in through SportsEngine Play to watch the team’s matches live, a partnership that highlights the platform’s role in amplifying grassroots sports coverage.
Beyond the diamond, the club’s presence in Branson is seen as an opportunity to celebrate the Pacific Northwest’s baseball heritage and to inspire younger players in Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside and Knappa.