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An international youth baseball tournament is coming to South Jersey

Eleven U.S. teams from across the country will compete against teams from Mexico, Curaçao, Bonaire, and Latin America. The action starts Tuesday and runs through Aug. 22.

International youth baseball is coming to South Jersey next week.
International youth baseball is coming to South Jersey next week.Read moreIsaiah Vazquez / For The Inquirer

While many 8-year-olds are preparing for the beginning of second or third grade, a handful are preparing for the Cal Ripken 8U World Series next week in Marlton, Burlington County.

Eleven U.S. teams from across the country will compete against teams from Mexico, Curaçao, Bonaire, and Latin America.

“This is more than a baseball tournament,” Scott Hillman, host president of the 2026 Cal Ripken 8U World Series, said in a news release. “It’s an opportunity for our community to welcome families from around the world, create lifelong memories for these young athletes, and showcase everything that makes Marlton such a special place.”

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All games will be played at the Diamonds at Arrowhead Park in Marlton. Games begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and culminate with the championship game at 2 p.m. Aug. 22.

Opening day matchups include Mexico vs. Denville, Curaçao vs. Lowell Youth and Bonaire vs. Marlton Orange at 9 a.m.; Latin America vs. Tri-Village at 11:30 a.m.; and Mexico vs. Marlton White at 2 p.m.

“Hosting the 2026 Cal Ripken 8U World Series is about much more than six days of baseball,” Marlton Baseball said in a post on social media. “It’s an opportunity to welcome teams from across the country and around the world while investing in the future of Marlton Baseball … Together, we’re building something that will benefit Marlton Baseball long after the final out is recorded.”

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