12 OCTOBER 2026 By AJ Stone Over 1,200 kids are ready to experience the thrills of youth baseball to the fullest. Established in 1957, Arcadia Little League is one of the largest little leagues in the United States and partners with Arizona State University, Arcadia High School, professional coaches from around the Valley, and the Major League Alumni Association to provide participants with the best possible experience. This season, parents and players have plenty to be excited about. “We are looking forward to another great season at Arcadia Little League,” President Cheri Pierce said. “One of our biggest goals remains creating a strong community baseball and softball program where kids of all experience levels can learn the game, develop their skills, compete, and have fun.” New for the 2026 season, Arcadia Little League is hoping to upgrade its facilities. “We are also continuing to invest and strengthen our partnerships with schools and the community,” Cheri said. “This season, we are hoping to expand our field usage by adding another campus to the family. We are currently working through the details of that partnership and hope to officially announce the new school in the spring.” Registration for the 2026/2027 season opens on November 1 – and according to ALL, it’s a good time to get involved, because last season was full of memorable moments. Between Austin Dooley’s legendary Home Run Derby performance, mirroring the likes of the St. Louis Cardinals’ Jordan Walker, and four Arcadia All-Star teams making it to state-level playoffs, the league was full of competition, smiles, and memories. The next season also marks a serious transitional period for the league’s leadership. Paul Kolo is set to be named League President for the 2027/2028 season and will serve side-by-side with Cheri. “I have been involved with Arcadia Little League since 2011, when my daughter first started playing. Now my son will soon be aging out of the league, so it feels like the right time to pass the torch,” Cheri said. “I am excited to have a season to work alongside Paul and help prepare him for the role while continuing to support the league and community that have been such a large part of our family’s lives.” As for practices, families can expect a focus on fundamentals. The goal is to create an environment that challenges and encourages players. Practices start with the basics: throwing, catching, fielding, hitting, base running, and understanding the game. From there, coaches can build on those skills as the players develop. “Our goal is to challenge experienced players while creating an environment where newer players can learn, gain confidence, and develop a love for the game,” Cheri said. The league’s competitive side has drawn serious talent in recent years. The commitment is much more intense. All-Star players can expect a demanding practice schedule followed by tournament play. Teams begin at the district level and, if they keep winning, can advance to state and, depending on the age division, regional, national, or international competition. “Last season, our 10-11-12 All-Star team advanced through Arizona competition and earned the opportunity to play in the regional tournament in California. For those players, representing Arcadia at that level was an experience they have told us they will never forget,” Cheri said. Upper-division evaluations will take place toward the end of January, and teams will be announced in early February. Practices usually begin around Valentine’s Day, and games begin around SUSD’s Spring Break, with the exact start date depending on the number of teams in each division. Youth baseball fosters lifelong memories for both parents and children. From a first home run to a diving catch to embracing your teammates in the dugout, it’s an experience like no other. arcadialittleleague.com Arcadia Little League is back in the swing of things The 8-9-10 and 9-10-11 teams after winning the district tournament in June. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHERI PIERCE

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