Irish Teams Will Compete in International World Series Tournaments
Please note: Team Ireland, Emerald Diamond International, and the Irish American Baseball Society are not affiliated with Baseball Ireland, the governing body of amateur baseball in Ireland. Click here to learn more about Baseball Ireland’s quota policies that unfairly prevent Irish dual citizens from trying out for Ireland’s men’s national baseball team and keep Ireland from reaching the World Baseball Classic.
HAMILTON, N.J., December 27, 2025 — Emerald Diamond International has been awarded the official Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken charter for Ireland, marking a historic milestone for the Irish Heritage Baseball initiative. It will be the first time Ireland will be represented at a Babe Ruth or Cal Ripken World Series event.
As the charter holder, Emerald Diamond International (EDI) will conduct a call for players of Irish heritage—including Irish citizens and players with Irish heritage—to form the first-ever Team Ireland rosters for Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken World Series competition.
The Irish American Baseball Society (IABS) will partner with EDI to help identify and recruit eligible players, ages 8–18, to compete in several Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken World Series tournaments in July and August 2026.
“We believe in the power of baseball to connect Irish communities throughout America and around the world,” said Daniel Kennedy of Emerald Diamond International. “We expect our inaugural rosters will be composed of Irish American players who want to represent their heritage through baseball. Over time, we expect more and more Irish players from around the world, including players born and raised in Ireland, will join the program.”
Team Ireland and the Irish Heritage Baseball initiative will be formally affiliated with EDI’s expanding Irish Youth Baseball programs across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Each year, more than 3,000 boys and girls are introduced to baseball for the first time through EDI’s Irish Youth Baseball program.
The 2026 Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth World Series schedule is as follows:
- Cal Ripken 8u (Coach Pitch): August 2-7 in Florence, Alabama
- Cal Ripken 8u (Player Pitch): August 17-22 in Marlton, NJ
- Cal Ripken 9u: August 2-7 in Florence, Alabama
- Cal Ripken 10u: August 6-15 in Stafford, Virginia
- Cal Ripken 11u/70: August 6-15 in Crown Point, Indiana
- Cal Ripken 12u/70: August 5-15 in Branson, Missouri
- Babe Ruth 13u: August 13-22 in Jamestown, NY
- Babe Ruth 14u: August 6-15 in Eagle Pass, TX
- Babe Ruth 13-16: August 5-15 in Branson, MO
- Babe Ruth 16-18: July 27-August 4 in Branson, MO
Teams will be assembled based on interest and availability. Players interested in being considered are encouraged to complete the Team Ireland interest form, which will serve as the first step in the evaluation and selection process.
For more information and to submit interest, please visit the official EDI Team Ireland registration page.
About Babe Ruth League
Founded in 1951, Babe Ruth League, Inc. is a world-class youth baseball and softball organization committed to teaching young athletes sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership through the game. Visit baberuthleague.org for more information.
About the Irish American Baseball Society
The Irish American Baseball Society is a US-based nonprofit organization that celebrates the impact of Irish Americans on the game of baseball while supporting youth baseball programs in Ireland and America. Members include players, coaches, media personalities, and fans. Membership is open to anyone who shares an interest in baseball and Ireland. The Irish American Baseball Society is a non-profit subsidiary of Emerald Diamond International. For more information, visit IrishBaseball.org.
