Today, families can use their cell phones and tablets to record their baseball athlete swinging for the fences, which helps increase the likelihood of the video going viral online. More importantly, this helps get them noticed by teams at the collegiate level, with the ultimate goal of making it to the pros. 

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Daniel J “D.J.” Carrasco is looking to ensure this happens for the next generation of baseball stars, specifically from Indian Country. 

Carrasco was born in Safford, Arizona, and attended Pima Community College before turning pro. He made his MLB debut as a pitcher in 2003 for the Kansas City Royals. He finished his career with the New York Mets in 2012 and later became a pitching coach for the ballclub. 

After retiring, Carrasco created Na7ive Na7ions, an organization that creates opportunities for Indigenous athletes throughout the year by hosting tournaments, training camps and wellness retreats.

This year, Carrasco’s organization held its inaugural baseball tournament at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Resort on July 18 and 19. Winners of the tournament would be eligible to play in the Babe Ruth World Series baseball tournament in Branson, Missouri, in August. Founded in 1951, the Babe Ruth Baseball League was created for ballplayers ages 13-16.

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community team, the Desert Dingers, made an impact throughout the two-day tournament. They represented the Community well amongst the many teams representing seven states. 

The all-Indigenous tournament held their pool play and championship games at the Colorado Rockies practice fields at Salt River Fields, next to the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens.

Opening Ceremony

During the opening ceremony, 12 teams lined up on the field arranged like rays of sun shining through the clouds. 

Robinson Rancheria Pomo Indians of California Chairman Baniakem Cromwell kicked off the tournament, serving as the master of ceremonies. SRPMIC President Martin Harvier and dignitaries from several different tribes were also in attendance. 

Cromwell recognized all 12 teams individually and presented honorary guests with a gift, and the national anthem was presented in O’odham.

Harvier had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to Carrasco, signifying it was now time to warm up and play ball.

Arizona Diamondbacks legend Luis Gonzalez, 57, was also in attendance on the first day, signing baseballs from fans while posing for photos. 

During a moment of small talk with an umpire in between games, Gonzalez jokingly acknowledged the fact that most of the participating athletes in the inaugural tournament weren’t born yet to remember his iconic 2001 World Series game-winning hit against the New York Yankees. Moments later, the umpire revealed to Gonzalez that he himself was a “World Series Baby.”

Championship Game

The final game was played on July 20, featuring the New Mexico Pack and the New Mexico Sun Devils. Both teams played their best and gave it their all, but the Pack started off on a strong run that only grew stronger as the game progressed. Pack won the game in a 18-0 shutout that ended on a run rule.

Trophies and rings were awarded to the winning team, and pictures were taken marking the ending of the inaugural Na7ive Na7ions baseball tournament. The Pack advanced to the compete in the Babe Ruth World in Missouri.

Zoe Hernandez and Andreea Miguel contributed to this article.

Photos by Zoe Hernandez, Andreea Miguel and Juan Ysaguirre.