FARMINGTON – Coaches and officials representing the dozen teams that are competing in 2023 Connie Mack World Series have plenty of good things to say about the tournament.

Shortly after teams arrived at the Farmington Civic Center from several points across North America on Thursday afternoon, coaches were quick to express the importance of the annual event, not just for the players on the field but also for the programs they represent.

“The tournament itself is such a good thing for these kids to experience,” said Si Pettrow, head coach of the Southern California Renegades. “It’s like gaining a whole new family, and it’s an experience a lot of these kids will never forget.”

Pettrow should know. This year’s tournament marks his 11th appearance as coach of the Renegades, who received an automatic berth to the CMWS along with the defending champion Midland Redskins, as well as the Dallas-based D-Bat United team, the Dulin Dodgers, last year’s winners of the Don Mattingly World Series, and the local team, the 505 Panthers.

“For a lot of these kids, it’s a chance to play in front of the largest crowds they’ve ever seen,” Pettrow said. “And the way the town absolutely opens its doors for these teams is incredible.”

Pettrow said the CMWS, one of several national amateur baseball tournaments for players aged 18-and-younger is unique because of those relationships built over time.

The Connie Mack World Series, considered by many to be the crown jewel of amateur baseball tournaments presented by the American Amateur Baseball Congress, is entering its 58th season in Farmington. In addition to the CMWS, the AABC hosts similar tournaments for other age groups ranging from the Pee Wee Reese World Series for ages 12-and-younger through the Stan Musial World Series for 19-and-older players which also is being held this week in Oklahoma City and Dallas.

“That’s the real difference between this event and so many others, is the relationship the town has for the event,” Pettrow said. “The competition is fierce, the teams are so evenly matched and the crowds are really into the competition.”

D-Bat United coach Ryan Bonesio said the real difference between the CMWS and other national tournaments comes down to roster size and the way many teams have to win their way into the tournament.

Other than the teams which receive an automatic berth, teams win their way into the Connie Mack World Series by capturing one of several regional tournaments which are played across the country.

“There are other tournaments around the country that all have big names and they bring in a lot of teams,” Bonesio said. “But this event is perfect because of the fact that you have to win with the players that got you here. Some of these other tournaments, you can add players at the last minute and you can have a pretty big roster. This one really holds coaches accountable for who you’re playing and for how long.”

The CMWS, which opened with pool play games on Friday at Ricketts Park, as well as the Farmington Sports Complex and Worley Field, has been a long sought-after event for many coaches and their respective players.

“I think for a lot of these kids, it’s the largest crowd they’ll ever play in front of,” said Gunner Glad, coach of the Tulsa Sandlot, winners of the Ozarks qualifier last month in Joplin, Missouri. “The fact that you have to win to be here really means a lot. Some of these other tournaments let a lot of teams in and I think it’s more special to have a World Series where for the most part you have to qualify to be a part of.”

The Albuquerque Baseball Academy, which received an automatic berth into the 2022 World Series, but were left off that list for this year’s event, feels that requiring that edge to compete for a chance to play in the CMWS went a long way in encouraging his team.

“It’s really the whole relationship this event has in partnership with all the other AABC tournaments that makes this one so special,” said ABA head coach Tim Campos. “The AABC, with their history, makes it almost akin to the Little League World Series.”

Campos said the relationship between the tournament and the city of Farmington was something he wanted to be a part of again.

“The community making it such a special event is really what makes this tick,” Campos said.

For live score updates and news from the event, check out our online reports from the tournament itself through our website at tricityrecordnm.com, or check out the official tournament website at CMWS.org.