The inaugural youth baseball tournament took place at the newly renovated Archie Thompson Sr. Memorial Park, a facility that benefited from a $1 million Clean California grant aimed at revitalizing local sports fields.
Organized by the Yurok Parks and Recreation Department, the event gathered three teams: the Six Rivers club, a group of tribal squads from the surrounding area, and the Seg‑ep team, whose name means “coyote” in Yurok.
The Six Rivers side remained unbeaten, drawing players from Hoopa, Willow Creek, Fortuna, McKinleyville and Arcata, while also lending pitching and defensive help to other teams to keep the competition fair and fun.
A communal salmon feed added a cultural touch, drawing families and neighbors together, and the organizers took the opportunity to thank players, parents, coaches and volunteers such as Roger Schultz, Shawn Lewis, Crystal Helton, Brie Tuttle, Roger Buckskin and Ryan Ray.
A Day of Play and Tradition
Looking ahead, the tribe will host an adult co‑ed slow‑pitch softball tournament during the upcoming Salmon Festival, with eight teams expected to compete and the same spirit of community collaboration that defined the youth event.