PONY World Series

The PONY League World Series fully recognizes the commitment our participating families have made to be in Washington, PA to give their players the opportunity to compete on this world stage. We do not take their commitment lightly.

Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of the weather. Our volunteers have made every possible effort to keep the tournament moving as they work countless hours to repair and prepare the field for play. Some volunteer shifts have been on site continuously for the past 48 hours, but the repeated rainfall has made it impossible to keep the field playable and safe for players.

While we have carefully considered every alternative avenue possible to continue the tournament elsewhere, the nearby turf fields do not meet the PONY specifications required for World Series tournament play. Any available natural grass fields have also been impacted by the significant rainfall, many of which have been unused since local recreation seasons ended in July.

With the World Series scheduled to conclude tonight and teams scheduled to depart tomorrow, we also did not believe it was reasonable to ask families to absorb the significant additional costs associated with changing flights, extending hotel stays and altering other travel arrangements, particularly with additional rain in the forecast.

In nearly 75 years of the PONY League World Series, we have never faced circumstances that prevented us from completing the tournament as scheduled. We recognize how difficult this is for everyone, especially the players who have worked and competed all summer for the opportunity to be here.

We wish circumstances were different. Unfortunately, the continued rainfall has severely limited our safe and reasonable options, rendered the field unplayable and has forced us to make decisions no one wanted to make. We sincerely thank our players, families, coaches, volunteers and fans for their patience, understanding, and commitment throughout an extraordinarily difficult week.

We want to be very clear regarding the decisions surrounding the PONY League World Series.

Yesterday’s weather and field conditions created a safety concern for our players and made the field unplayable. The decision to alter the tournament format was made solely by PONY League World Series officials based on player safety, field conditions and the limited time remaining to complete the tournament. Our sponsors had no involvement whatsoever in that decision.

Printscape, our title sponsor, and all of our event sponsors are tremendous supporters of the PONY League World Series and the young athletes who participate in it. Their generosity and commitment help make this international event possible each year.

We understand that people are disappointed and frustrated by the circumstances surrounding this year’s tournament. We own the decisions that were made, including the decision not to play yesterday because of safety concerns. Any criticism of those decisions should be directed to us, not to Printscape or any of the businesses and organizations that generously support this event.

We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership and ask that our sponsors not be subjected to criticism for decisions in which they played no part.

PONY League World Series Schedule Update

Due to continued heavy rainfall and unplayable field conditions, the PONY League World Series is unable to complete the remaining games under the tournament’s original format.

The World Series must conclude Wednesday, Aug. 12, as all participating teams are scheduled to depart Thursday morning. Extending the tournament is not an option.

With six teams remaining and limited playable time available, the tournament will move to a single-elimination conclusion. Washington County and Chinese Taipei, the only two remaining undefeated teams, will meet Wednesday night in the 2026 PONY League World Series Championship Game.

We understand the disappointment this decision brings to the four other remaining teams. Every possible option was considered, but the combination of field conditions and the tournament’s firm travel deadline leaves no viable alternative.

We thank all of our players, coaches, families and fans for their patience and understanding during an exceptionally difficult week of weather.

Today's days have been canceled due to continued inclement weather. An update on tomorrow's games and schedule will be available later this evening.

As rain continues through the area, tonight’s start is pushed back to tentatively 6 PM/ET.

Today’s rain delay is still in effect. We are hopeful to resume games at 4 PM/ET. Further updates will be available later in the day.

Stay cool and stay stylish with a PathWays bucket hat! The first 600 fans on PathWays Youth Night on Tuesday, Aug. 11, receive a free bucket hat for the 4:30 PM game.

Get your tickets now at plws.org!

WEATHER UPDATE. After last night’s rain, this morning’s games are delayed and will have a tentative 12:30 PM/ET start. All games today will be 5 innings.