SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The Paseo Verde All-Star team from Henderson, Nevada, concluded their remarkable journey in the Little League World Series with a runner-up finish, falling to Curaçao 11-2 in the championship game on Sunday. Despite the loss, the team's performance throughout the tournament has highlighted Nevada's emergence as a formidable force in youth baseball.
Coach Cory Edwards, who has dedicated countless hours to developing young talent, is set to return to the field for practice with his 10-year-old club team. His commitment exemplifies the dedication required to cultivate a competitive youth baseball program, especially considering that approximately 6,000 Little League teams across the United States vie for a spot in the prestigious 20-team tournament held annually in Williamsport.
“You have to wake up early, you have to get to the field, you have to put the reps in,” Edwards remarked after the championship loss. He emphasized the importance of community support in fostering a successful youth program, stating, “If you get enough adults to believe that that’s going to work and push kids to do that, then you end up in a place like this.”
The Paseo Verde team made history in several ways during their tournament run. Notably, Carsynn Meyer became the first girl to record an RBI single for an American team in the U.S. championship, marking a significant milestone in Little League history. Although she went 0 for 2 in the final game, her presence on the field was a source of inspiration.
Nevada's achievement of reaching back-to-back finals is particularly impressive, as they became the first state to accomplish this feat since Georgia in 2006-07. Last year, the Nevada team finished as runners-up to Taiwan. This year, the Henderson squad advanced to the championship game without their center fielder, Theo Bingham, who was unable to play due to illness but remained a supportive presence in the dugout.
“They’re 12,” Edwards said about his players. “I hope it’s not the best experience of their entire lives. But I’m sure it’s going to be top 10 or up there. So I hope they take with them that they can conquer and do anything.”
The Paseo Verde Little League has now represented the Mountain Region at the Little League World Series twice in the last three years, showcasing the growth and potential of youth baseball in Nevada. Edwards believes that the success of these programs is a testament to the strategic decisions made by local leaders to enhance youth sports.
In the championship game, Curaçao proved to be a challenging opponent. After leading 4-2 in the fifth inning, the team from Willemstad surged ahead, scoring four runs to secure their victory. Juriënsly De Windt, the starting pitcher for Curaçao, delivered a pivotal two-out, bases-clearing double that shifted the momentum of the game.
Reflecting on the game, Edwards acknowledged some missteps, noting that the team’s execution faltered at critical moments. “I also just didn’t think that we executed well, running into an out at third, we’re missing a couple signs, missed communications with pitch calling,” he said. “That’s baseball.”
Despite the defeat, Nevada's performance in the Little League World Series has solidified its status as a rising power in youth baseball, inspiring future generations of players in the state.
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