91st NBC World Series Swings Into Action
⋅ Baseball
The 2025 NBC World Series promises to deliver another unforgettable chapter in amateur baseball history as 16 elite teams compete in Wichita from July 24th through August 2nd. This summer’s tournament features the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, with the first nine days taking place at Eck Stadium on Wichita State University’s campus before championship night returns downtown to Equity Bank Park.
The Hays Larks captured their first NBC World Series championship in 2024, defeating the Hutchinson Monarchs 7-3 in a thrilling final after scoring five runs in the final two innings. But can the Larks repeat as champions? The pressure is on as they return to defend their crown in a field loaded with talent. Teams to watch include the Hutchinson Monarchs, who won the 2023 championship and are hungry to reclaim their title after falling just short last year. Keep an eye on the Santa Barbara Foresters, who dominated the tournament from 2020-2022 with three consecutive championships before losing to Hutchinson in the 2023 final. All three powerhouse programs return to Wichita with championship experience and unfinished business.
This year’s tournament features many exciting players ready to make their mark. Luke Billings of the Lonestar Kraken, a Texas A&M commit who was ranked as the 22nd outfield prospect in the 2025 MLB Draft, chose to forgo professional baseball to play for the Aggies. Hutchinson Monarchs have two standout players competing – Mitchell Johnson, a hard-throwing lefty Wichita State commit who posted a 2.10 ERA with 33 strikeouts for Cowley County, and Joey Senstock, a Nebraska commit, is the 13th-ranked third baseman nationally who delivered a walk-off hit in the Nebraska Class A State Championship. Defending champions Hays Larks return with last year’s tournament MVP Garrett Gruell, who helped UTSA upset Texas in the College World Series Austin Regional. Santa Barbara Foresters feature Texas A&M freshman Terrance Kiel II, who batted .294 with 59 hits and 12 steals while earning SEC Freshman of the Week and ranking as the 120th prospect in the 2024 MLB Draft before choosing college. These college stars will be eager to prove themselves against the best amateur talent in the country, making for compelling storylines throughout the tournament.
Not to mention several standout players from year’s prior fresh off impressive College World Series performances. LSU claimed the 2025 NCAA Division I baseball national championship, and several former NBC World Series participants helped lead the Tigers to glory. Ethan Frey, who played for the Liberal BeeJays in 2022, was a key contributor to LSU’s championship run and was recently selected 95th overall by the Houston Astros in the 2025 MLB Draft. Fellow LSU Tiger Tanner Reaves, who competed for the Kraken in 2022, also played a vital role in the national championship. Meanwhile, Ben Bybee, who suited up for the Santa Barbara Foresters in 2023, helped Arkansas reach the College World Series semifinals before falling to the eventual champion Tigers. These college stars will be eager to prove themselves against the best amateur talent in the country, making for compelling storylines throughout the tournament.
The NBC World Series has had over 900 players make it to the Major Leagues. Ryan O’Hearn, who played in the NBC World Series, was recently named a starter for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game as the American League’s designated hitter – a testament to the tournament’s ability to develop talent. O’Hearn’s journey from the NBC to All-Star status serves as inspiration for the current players who will take the field this summer. Don’t be surprised if you’re watching the next generation of MLB All-Stars compete right here in Wichita.
Your NBC World Series experience isn’t complete without these essential moments. Opening Night sets the tone for the entire tournament, featuring the excitement that makes the NBC World Series special. Baseball ‘Round the Clock returns as one of the tournament’s most beloved traditions, giving fans the chance to experience 11 games in 33 hours. Can you survive the ultimate baseball marathon? And don’t miss Championship Night’s return to downtown Wichita at Equity Bank Park, where the 2025 champions will be crowned under the lights with the city skyline as the backdrop..
With the tournament’s reputation for producing instant classics and breakthrough performances, you won’t want to miss a single pitch. Whether you’re a longtime fan or experiencing the tournament for the first time, this summer’s NBC World Series promises to deliver the thrills, memories, and pure baseball magic that have made it America’s premier amateur baseball tournament for 90 years. Get your tickets today and be part of the next chapter in NBC World Series history.
For the most up-to-date information on the 91st NBC World Series, make sure to visit Tournament Central. Here you’ll find the full schedule, results, and team rosters. Tournament Central can be found at nbcbaseball.com/tournament-central-2025/.