GALT, CA (MPG) - Galt played host this July to the Cal Ripken Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament for the 9-and-under division, welcoming teams from across the region for a week of baseball. Hawaii, Arizona, Northern California, Central California, Southern California, Utah and Nevada were all represented, filling the local fields with families, coaches and young players who had earned their way to the regional stage.

Galt’s schedule wasted no time. The team opened the tournament Monday against Central California, then returned to the diamond Wednesday for a matchup with Hawaii. Thursday brought Southern California, and Friday closed out the week against Nevada: four games in five days, a demanding stretch for any roster, let alone one made up of 9-year-olds.

Galt did not walk away as grand champions this year, but that hardly tells the whole story. The team showed up, competed and represented its community well against some of the strongest programs in the Pacific Southwest. For a group this age, the experience of playing on a regional stage in front of a hometown crowd is its own kind of win, and the foundation for the seasons ahead.

It was a busy week for the Nine and Unders. Enjoy these photos from one of the games.