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THE PRINTSCAPE PONY LEAGUE WORLD SERIES
WHEN THE WORLD COMES TO WASHINGTON COUNTY, PA
The world is coming to Historic Lew Hays PONY Field in Washington, Pennsylvania, as the Printscape PONY League World Series returns August 8 – 13, bringing top youth baseball talent from around the globe to the heart of Washington County. This year’ s tournament will showcase the very best 13- and 14-year-old teams representing regions from across the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific, all competing for the coveted championship title in one of the summer’ s most exciting and internationally recognized youth sporting events.
Founded in 1951, PONY Baseball and Softball was the first organized baseball league created specifically for 13- and 14-year-old players. The name“ PONY”— originally an acronym for“ Protect Our Neighborhood Youth”— was given by children at the Washington YMCA. As the organization expanded, its name evolved to“ Protect Our Nation’ s Youth,” a motto that continues to reflect PONY’ s mission to deliver competitive, character-building baseball and softball experiences. Today, that mission extends far beyond U. S. borders, reaching players around the globe with programs designed to encourage teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthier, happier lives.
The first PONY League World Series was played in 1952 at Washington High School’ s football practice field, with Historic Lew Hays PONY Field being built specifically for the event in 1953. Since then, the tournament has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. Today, PONY boasts over 500,000 players in more than 50 countries— but every summer, it all culminates in Washington, where ten elite teams( four international and six domestic) go head-to-head for the championship trophy. Washington County receives an automatic bid as the host team, while the tenth spot is awarded to a team from the Host-Area Zone, which includes all leagues within a 75-mile radius of Washington.
For many players, the World Series is more than just a game – it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their hometowns on an international stage. All games are internationally livestreamed, reaching audiences around the world, all while the event regularly draws upwards of 30,000 visitors to the area. Beyond the tournament, the event regularly brings positive economic impact to the region, generating an estimated $ 6.5 million for Washington County’ s economy.
The excitement is hardly contained to the field, however. Each game night features a unique theme, with events like a home run derby, fastest runner contest, Military & First Responders Appreciation Night, Pirates Night, Mascot Night, Youth Night, and the Champions League Game, plus a full lineup of youth activities all on the schedule for the week of the series that makes each year’ s PONY League World Series one to remember.
The Printscape PONY League World Series is August 8-13 at the Lew Hays PONY Field in Washington, PA. For more information, visit GoWashCo. com.