Ceres Youth Baseball & Softball Organization capped off its 2026 spring recreational season last month at the George Costa Ball Field Complex.

More than 450 boys and girls, aged 5-14, participated this year.

“Our Recreational Program caters to the needs of budding athletes who are looking to enjoy the essence of baseball and softball while honing their abilities in a fun and inclusive environment,” CYBSO stated in an about us message for its membership on its website (ceresyouthbaseball.com). “We take pride in being accessible to all, with no gate fees during our recreational ball season. The excitement of the game is open to everyone.”

Community members celebrated the start of the season on March 27.

Ceres Planning Commission member Gary M. Condit and city of Ceres councilmember Cerina Otero threw out first pitches for baseball and softball, respectively, during the organization’s Opening Day ceremony.

“Costa Fields holds many memories for families across Ceres including mine,” Otero said. “It is where friendships begin and many become family.”

“Ceres Youth Baseball is an incredible program that means so much to our community,” Condit stated.

“Youth activities and sports truly matter,” Otero added. “They give our kids a safe place, build confidence, and learn teamwork and responsibility. Thank you to everyone who participated in making opening day a success.”

The league was comprised of 40 teams, including 29 baseball and 11 softball.

There were four divisions for baseball players: 6 & under, 8 & under, 10 & under and 13 & under.

There were three divisions for softball players: 8 & under, 10 & under and 13 &

Games were played Monday through Saturday on five different fields.

Each team played at least 12 games.

“It’s very important for kids to play rec ball,” Vice President of Baseball Ismael Ontiveros Jr. stated. “It allows you to work on fundamentals you might need for travel ball.”

CYBSO staged All-Star Showcase Games for its recreational players on May 15.

Players were selected by coaches.

Every player received an All-Star medallion and one player from each team received a Most Valuable Player ring.

“This was our third year doing it,” Ontiveros stated. “It was a success. The best kids from every team played. All the games were competitive. Four of the five games were won in the last inning.”

CYBSO concluded its regular season on May 27.

In the 13-and-under division for baseball, the Reds (11-1-0), Blue Jays (7-4-1), Nationals (5-5-3), Giants-Brandenburg (5-8-0), Giants-Taylor (4-7-1) and Guardians (2-9-1) placed first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively.

The Angels (12-0-0), Giants-Estrella (8-3-1), Reds (6-6-1), Warriors (5-8-0), Dodgers (4-7-1) and Giants-Tumelson (0-11-1) placed first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively, in the 10-and-under division.

The Braves (11-1-0) and Mets (11-1-0) tied for first place in the 8-and-under coach-pitch division. The Dodgers (7-5-0), BrewCrew (6-6-0), Cubs (5-6-1), Red Sox (5-7-0), Cardinals (1-10-1) and Dodgers (1-11-0) took second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh, respectively.

No standings were kept for the 6-and-under co-ed t-ball division.

In the 13-and-under division for softball, Texas Longhorns (8-1-3), Florida Gators (6-5-1), Texas Volts (4-8-0) and Texas Tech (3-7-2) placed first, second, third and fourth, respectively.

UCLA (9-2-1), Fresno State (6-7-0) and Texas Longhorns (3-9-1) placed first, second and third, respectively, in the 10-and-under division.

The Humboldt Jacks (12-0), Oklahoma Sooners (7-5-0), UCLA (4-8-0) and Blaze (1-11-0) placed first, second, third and fourth, respectively, in the 8-and-under coach-pitch division..

CYBSO’s board consisted of nine people including Ontiveros, Jorge Guerrero (president), Jessica Lopez (vice president of softball), Melissa Baldwin (treasurer), Shauna Weeks (director), Randy Wheeler (umpire commissioner-baseball), Audel Valencia (umpire commissioner-softball), Marty Sanchez (Blaze commissioner) and Nikole Ferrel (Sizzle commissioner).