With the tricolor flag waving high and a thunderous cheer echoing through Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Mexico’s U-8 youth baseball team achieved world glory, defeating powerhouse United States 10-2 to be crowned champions of the 2025 Cal Ripken World Series Babe Ruth League.
The diamond turned green, white, and red as the 12 little Mexican warriors took the field with the passion of professionals. What seemed like an uphill battle became a showcase of talent and grit.
The hero of the game was Milán “Búfalo” Zazueta, who was transformed into a titan on the mound: 10 strikeouts in just four innings, leaving rivals and fans stunned. The victory was sealed by Carlos López, who pitched two perfect innings with the composure of a veteran.
On offense, Mexican bats roared with fury, connecting at key moments to secure the decisive lead.
The championship team was comprised of seven boys from Culiacán, one from Mazatlán, two from Tijuana, and two from Ensenada. With nicknames full of affection and bravery—“El Roki,” “El Chapo,” “Chuky,” and “Búfalo”—this squad showed that unity, discipline, and joy are also powerful weapons in baseball.
Starting lineup:
• Pitcher: Milán Zazueta
• Catcher: Abraham Enríquez
• 1B: Carlos Vaca
• 2B: Roberto “El Roki” Cruz
• 3B: Carlos Verdugo
• SS: Erik Altamirano
• LF: Yadier Mondaca
• CF: Carlos “El Chapo” López
• RF: Humberto “Chuky” Huízar
• DH: Gabriel Espinoza
• Relief pitchers: Matheo Quintero and Ian Canseco
More Than a Victory, a Legacy
The achievement shines even brighter considering that the Babe Ruth League is one of the most competitive and prestigious youth leagues in the world. In a place where baseball lives in every nook and cranny, Mexico proved that its young people’s talent pool is truly world-class.
To grasp the magnitude of this victory, it’s enough to remember that this tournament—spanning players from ages 4 to 18—brings together only the very best. And today, those best proudly wear the Mexican jersey.
The title is more than a trophy; it’s the confirmation that Mexican youth baseball has a present full of stars and a future destined for the Major Leagues.
Amid hugs, tears, and smiles, the kids lifted the trophy with the conviction that they had written a historic chapter: the first Mexican generation to be crowned champions in the U-8 category of the Cal Ripken World Series.
“Mexican baseball is alive, beating in the heart of every child who dreams of the diamond—and today, those dreams came true,” the tricolor delegation proclaimed.
Mexico shines once again on the international baseball stage. And it does so with children who are already giants.
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Mexican Press Agency is part of ALMA, which is dedicated to news and information about Mexico and Mexicans in the United States and is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Focus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, California.
