News Summary
The Cacique Mara Little League team from Venezuela has been denied visas to compete in the upcoming Senior League Baseball World Series in Easley, South Carolina. Due to this denial, the Santa Maria de Aguayo Little League team from Mexico will represent the Latin America Region. The tournament will feature 12 teams, with Irmo, South Carolina looking to defend their title. This event, held from July 26 to August 2, promises high-quality baseball and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Easley, South Carolina
The Cacique Mara Little League team from Venezuela has been denied visas to participate in the upcoming Senior League Baseball World Series, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 2 in Easley, South Carolina. In their absence, the Santa Maria de Aguayo Little League team from Mexico will step in to represent the Latin America Region.
The tournament will host 12 teams, including six from the United States and six international teams. A total of 21 games will be played over the eight-day event, culminating in the championship game on August 2, where the U.S. bracket champion will face off against the international bracket champion.
The Cacique Mara team was the previous champion of the tournament, having won the title by defeating Irmo, South Carolina. Irmo Little League is set to return this year as the U.S. champion and aims to defend their title. The games will primarily be held at J.B. Red Owens Sports Complex, with the predominantly featured venue being Gregg Powell Field. For fans eager to follow the action, the tournament will be streamed live on ESPN+, but will not be available on traditional television broadcasting platforms.
Visa Denials Linked to Presidential Order
The inability of the Venezuelan team to enter the U.S. is a direct consequence of a June 4 presidential order that has restricted travel from certain countries, including Venezuela. This situation is not new; there have been previous instances impacting Little League teams’ participation in the tournament, with visa-related issues reported as far back as 2011.
In an effort to maintain a balanced representation for the Latin America Region, Little League International extended an invitation to the Santa Maria de Aguayo Little League team of Mexico. The inclusion of this team ensures continued international participation and creates a competitive atmosphere for the tournament.
Guam Secures Its Spot
In another development related to the tournament, the team from Guam successfully claimed victory in the Little League Asia-Pacific/Middle East Senior Regional Tournament. They secured their World Series entry after defeating the Philippines with a score of 5-1 in the championship match. Guam’s performance during the tournament was exceptional, outscoring their opponents 56-5 across four games.
Evan Acosta, the captain of the Guam team, highlighted the squad’s chemistry and their ability to perform under pressure as key elements contributing to their success. Guam’s coaching staff is optimistic about their pitching lineup, which features talented players such as Alcantara, Javier Taimanglo, and JuanCarlo Presnell.
Upcoming Tournament Logistics
The tournament will encompass several days filled with action, allowing participating teams to demonstrate their skills in front of a diverse audience. While Cacique Mara Little League will be missed, the addition of Santa Maria de Aguayo serves as a reminder of the inclusive spirit of Little League baseball, providing opportunities for young athletes from various backgrounds to showcase their abilities on a global stage.
As the event draws near, local communities are gearing up for an exciting tournament that promises high-quality baseball and sportsmanship among young players from around the world.
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Additional Resources
- Count On 2
- Wikipedia: Senior League Baseball World Series
- Fox Carolina
- Google Search: Senior League Baseball
- Greenville Journal
- Google Scholar: Senior League Baseball World Series 2025
- Post Guam
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Little League
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
