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Artesia Baseball Team Wins World Championship in Las Cruces

Artesia Baseball Team Wins World Championship in Las Cruces

By Mike Smith
El Rito Media

Kayson Gomez, Jed Bilberry and Elijah Sanchez have accomplished something most eight-year-olds would never dream of: a World Series championship.

The three boys helped the Artesia Freedom 8-under baseball team claim the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) 8-and-under AAA World Series title. The tournament was held in Las Cruces from July 3 through July 7 during the Kyle A Falvey World Series.

Falvey, a native of El Paso who died in 2019, was USSSA tournament director in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. He was a baseball player and fan, according to the USSSA website.

The games were played at various locations in Las Cruces and head coach Chris Gomez said New Mexico Freedom finished 6-1 during the tournament.

He said the team outhit its competitors, scoring 64 runs while its pitchers gave up only 22 runs during the regular season.

Seventeen teams from New Mexico and Texas participated in the tournament.

Each player on the 13-team team played different positions during the World Series.

Gomez was a pitcher and catcher during the series, but also played infield at first base.

He said his specialty was the changeup, a slower pitch and a fastball.

Gomez said he enjoyed playing in the tournament. “It feels good (to be champion),” he said.

Bilberry said he has played five different positions and catching was his favorite.

“I don’t play it that often,” he said.

Gomez had listed Bilberry as a first baseman and pitcher.

He threw three innings in one game during the regular season, giving up one hit. No one scored and no one walked.

Sanchez played four positions during the game: pitcher, third baseman, second baseman and center fielder.

He said the pitcher was his favorite spot during the competition.

“I like to take kids out,” Sanchez said.

Gomez listed his primary positions on the roster as second baseman and shortstop.

Chelsea Bilberry, Jed’s mother, said the team played well during the tournament.

“They fit together really well and give 110 percent on the field,” she said.

What is USSSA?

USSSA is a Florida-based agency that oversees various recreational and competitive sports programs and other related events. Read the organization’s website.

“USSSA believes that the overall development of all players can be enhanced through the experience and enjoyment of national tournaments. Until now, the majority of players have been denied this opportunity due to their skill level,” the organization’s website states.

USSSA Baseball offered programs for four levels of play. Major and AAA programs are national programs that culminate in a World Series. The AA program is a regional program run by the participating states that culminates in “AA” World Series opportunities. The A level is for recreational teams and now offers “A” level World Series events, according to USSSA.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 or by email at [email protected].