Livermore, California has once again become the center of the youth baseball world as it hosts the 2025 Intermediate 50/70 Baseball World Series at Max Baer Park. The tournament began on Sunday, July 27 and will run through Sunday, August 3, welcoming twelve teams six from the United States and six from across the globe featuring players aged 11 to 13. While the city is buzzing with excitement, no Tri-Valley teams are competing this year.

Last year’s tournament saw a spirited performance from the Livermore team, which made it to the finals before falling to the championship-winning team from Kenner, Louisiana. That same Louisiana team beat Seoul, South Korea, who are returning for another shot at the title in 2025. In 2022, a team from Danville brought the trophy home for the Tri-Valley area. Fans can follow all the games live on ESPN+, and a full schedule is available on the Little League website.

This year’s tournament made international headlines for reasons beyond the diamond. The Cacique Mara Little League team from Venezuela, winners of the Latin American championship, qualified for the Senior League Baseball World Series but was unable to participate due to visa denials. Despite traveling to the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, the team could not secure travel authorization.

Little League International expressed disappointment, citing the impact on young athletes who had worked hard to earn their place on the world stage. In a statement, the Venezuelan team described the situation as unjust and heartbreaking for the children who dreamed of competing internationally. Livermore continues to be a vital host for the Intermediate World Series, reinforcing its importance in the youth sports calendar and offering young athletes from around the world a chance to showcase their talent.