D-Backs Inter-Tribal youth tournament draws 84 teams
Special to the Times | Reginald Chee
A third baseman player from the NM Bangarangs (left) tries to catch the ball as a Top Dawgz Blue runner slides safely into third during a Double A Division baseball game at the Arizona Diamondbacks Youth Tournament at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Baseball Fields on Tuesday, June 9, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
WINDOW ROCK
The 26th Annual D-Backs Inter-Tribal Youth Baseball & Softball Tournament registered 84 teams across eight states for this year’s event.
Special to the Times | Reginald Chee
New Mexico Outlaws pitcher Derrick Garcia throws the ball against the 18U Naabaahii Nationals during a Triple A Division baseball game at the Arizona Diamondbacks Youth Tournament at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Baseball Fields on Tuesday, June 9, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
The tournament has four divisions, which includes a 12U, 15U, 18U baseball group and an 18U softball division with nearly 1,500 Native American athletes competing.
The NM Bangarang brought two teams to the annual tournament with 15 kids competing in the Double A Division (15U) and 15 players in the Triple A Division (18U).
“This is our first time here,” NM Bangarang manager Dwight Chavez said while adding that his group is comprised of players from the Shiprock and Kirtland area.
“Our players come from a recreational setting, and so we just work with them through our program,” Chavez said.
To read the full article, please see the June 11, 2026, edition of the Navajo Times.
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