Maricopa baseball team heading to USSSA World Series (video)

The Maricopa 10U baseball club the Dusters has been invited to join 470 teams at the USSSA World Series in Dallas July 7-12.

Of the 45 teams in their age bracket, they are ranked 11th. The Dusters are the only Arizona team participating after playing 70 games. Teams in their pool are from Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas.

“We’re excited for this opportunity,” coach Marty McDonald said. “These boys have worked their tails off all year, making sacrifices, practicing 2-3 times a week in addition to playing in a lot of tournaments.”

Maricopa Dusters

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Since 2015, the Dusters’ record is 45-25-1. They have won a USSSA tournament title, finished second in USSSA/Nations five times, finished third in USSSA/Nations three times.

In three seasons in the Ahwatukee Pony League, Maricopa is 27-1-1, with three titles.

Most families will be driving the distance to Dallas, about 15 hours.

Shortstop Cody Gallardo said club ball is more intense than typical Little League competition but said teammates are fun and more encouraging.

“When we’re on, we’re on, and nobody can beat us,” Cody said.

Coaches are expected the trip to cost the team around $5,000. That includes tickets to a Texas Rangers game, where USSSA players will be recognized on the field in a parade of teams July 7. The Dusters started a GoFundMe account to raise funds at https://www.gofundme.com/dustersworldseries

“They are a great bunch of young men with bright baseball futures ahead of them,” McDonald said. “I speak for all of our coaches when I say this, but it’s truly an honor to coach them and share this moment with them.  Going to Dallas to play in the World Series is an honor and something they will remember for the rest of their life.”