CARLSBAD — For the first time in the organization’s history, Carlsbad Youth Baseball will host the Pony-13 World Series as part of a two-year contract for 2024 and ’25.
This year’s Pony-13 World Series, featuring young sultans of swat from several international and U.S. teams, will be held July 18-22 at Calavera and Aviara community parks.
“Carlsbad Youth Baseball is honored to host the 2024 Pony-13 World Series,” said Carlsbad Youth Baseball League President Tom Benton. “The community of Carlsbad is excited to be the home of this event. Our guests from around the world will enjoy visiting our beach town.”
The Pony-13 World Series will kick off with a skills competition, followed by opening ceremonies on July 18 at Calavera Park with a salute to local firefighters, police and first responders. Carlsbad High School graduate and former Anaheim Angels infielder Troy Glaus will throw out the first pitch to Mayor Keith Blackburn.
The following day, July 19, will feature a skills competition followed by a full slate of games at Aviara Park. The remainder of the Pony-13 World Series games will be held at the baseball fields at Calavera Park.
This year’s Pony-13 World Series will bring together teams from the East Zone, North Zone, South Zone, West Zone, Mexico Zone, Asia Pacific Zone, and the Caribbean Zone.
Carlsbad Youth Baseball will represent the host team in the Pony-13 World Series.
The Pony Champions League, consisting of special-needs athletes, will play its World Series championship game at 2 p.m. on July 20 at Calavera Park.
The four-day baseball tournament is sponsored by many local businesses, including That Pizza Place, Senor Grubbys, Big Fly Athletics, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Ohana Creations, The Havens Group Real Estate Services, Stretch Lab, Chik Fil A, Artkive, Coastal Collectibles, Carlsbad Engraving and more.
A few sponsorship opportunities remain and can be coordinated by contacting [email protected].
Apparel vendor Swim West has an online store featuring World Series logo attire and gear, which will also be sold on-site, with an option for standard and personalized designs on t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats. Local business Thai Mama Homemade Food will be selling delicious Thai food onsite, and a local baseball team will host a fundraiser, serving food to raise money for a trip to compete in Cooperstown, New York.
“We are very excited that Carlsbad has agreed to host the Pony-13 World Series in 2024 and 2025,” said Pony President Abraham Key. “Our thanks to Carlsbad and their league president, Tom Benton, and his leadership team for opening their doors to our teams worldwide. They are in for a wonderful experience in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.”
Carlsbad Youth Baseball was founded in 1992, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to provide the opportunity for all children, regardless of skill, experience, and financial status, to have a positive and fun experience learning the fundamentals of baseball, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Only three Pony World Series have been held in San Diego, the last of which was in 1978, when Campbell Moreland defeated Joliet, Illinois, in the championship game.
“I was excited to hear that Carlsbad Youth Baseball accepted to host the 2024 Pony-13 World Series,” stated West Zone Vice President Steve Workman. “It’s a great family-friendly location, with great city support and local businesses. I look forward to assisting them with any of their needs.”
