LETTER: Proud of PONY Series
Proud of PONY Series
Washington County once again hosted the Printscape PONY League World Series presented by DICK’s Sporting Goods last week, welcoming the world to our community and globally showcasing Washington County. Taking the field along with the series’ organizer, World Series Tournaments Inc., was a strong contingent of sponsors, dedicated volunteers, wonderful fans, and, most importantly, the best youth baseball players in the world.
For the 10th consecutive year, the entire World Series video package was produced by regional Emmy award winner WVRC Media. Every game was livestreamed or televised domestically and internationally through media partners PLWS.TV, SportsNet Pittsburgh, NESN, WJPA, and KDKA+ as well as fully covered by print partner, the Observer-Reporter. Through these media partnerships, families and fans at home in Colombia, Italy, Chinese Taipei, Michigan, Texas, Mexico, New York, and California could cheer for their teams in real time online and live from Washington County.
In addition to outstanding youth baseball, we were able to market Washington County’s strong economy, attractive communities, and a high quality of life to a global audience. We promoted our county as one that cherishes its history, welcomes its visitors, and supports its businesses. It also allowed us to co-promote the Washington County Agricultural Fair to introduce our visitors to our valued agricultural heritage when they were not on the field.
While The PONY League World Series annually attracts over 30,000 fans and contributes over $6 million to the regional economy, it also exhibits our civic pride in the players from Bentworth, Canon Mac, Charleroi, and Trinity Area School Districts that comprised our 2025 Washington County Host Team. They finished runner-up in the series-marking the second time in three years that our local host team made it to the final.
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency was proud to sponsor and support the PONY League World Series as it provides us with the opportunity to show the world that “The American Spirit Lives Here” in Washington County. This spirit was well represented by our welcoming communities, friendly citizens, and, of course, the strong performance by Coach John Przybylinski and the Washington County Host Team.
Jeff M. Kotula
President, Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency