Summer means one thing in Southwest Louisiana- softball and baseball. Here, diamonds aren’t just a girl's best friend, they’re everybody's. SWLA visitors and locals hold their diamond sports close to their hearts, and we’re becoming an epicenter of the baseball and softball world.
The Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators are back in action this summer as they kick off their second season as Lake Charles’ hometown team. Don't miss the home opener on June 3! This game has free admission, sponsored by Navarre Auto Group, and the best part- you and your krewe can hold live baby alligators! The first pitch will be thrown at 7 PM at Joe Miller Ballpark. To check out the themed game nights, the promotional schedule, and to get tickets, visit www.gumbeauxgators.com
The Gumbeaux Gators are a part of the Texas Collegiate League, with 5 other teams playing across Texas and Louisiana. The league comprises college baseball players from all over the country, traveling to their team’s city for the summer to play ball. Get all the info about the Texas Collegiate League here.
Excitement continues to build in Louisiana’s Playground as the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) brings its inaugural season to SPAR’s McMurry Park from June 12–14, 2025. This three-game series will feature the Bandits facing off against the Volts, marking a significant moment for SWLA as it hosts elite-level professional softball.
Adding to the anticipation, local fans will have the opportunity to cheer for one of their own, Erika Piancastelli, one of the most decorated athletes in McNeese State University history. Returning home to compete for the Volts, Piancastelli played for the McNeese Cowgirls from 2015 to 2018, holding numerous school and Southland Conference records, including career home runs (75), RBIs (212), and a .401 batting average. Not only did she lead McNeese to multiple conference titles, but Piancastelli also represented Italy in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The AUSL weekend series coincides with the Jennie Finch World Series, a youth softball tournament organized by Olympian and AUSL advisor Jennie Finch, creating a unique opportunity for young athletes to witness top-tier talent in action. As part of a 10-city tour, the AUSL's stop in Sulphur highlights our area’s growing prominence in the softball community and offers visitors and locals a chance to be part of this historic season. With ESPN family networks set to broadcast all 3 games, the league’s goal is to elevate women's professional softball to new heights. Don't miss this opportunity to support pro softball’s growth and enjoy high-caliber competition right here in SWLA! Get your tickets here, and learn more about the AUSL here.
Last month, SWLA hosted both the LHSAA Softball and Baseball State Championship Tournaments. Congratulations to all the teams that made it to the state tournament, but a special shoutout to SWLA’s very own Sam Houston High School, who made history as both the 2025 Division 1 Non-Select Softball and Baseball State Champions! This is the second time any schools in SWLA have ever done this, with Barbe winning both softball and baseball in 2021.
LHSAA Softball Champions:
Div 1 Select: John Curtis Christian
Div 2 Select: Vandebilt Catholic
Div 3 Select: Calvary Baptist
Div 4 Select: Holy Savior Menard
Div 1 Non-Select: Sam Houston
Div 2 Non-Select: North Desoto
Div 3 Non-Select: Doyle
Div 4 Non-Select: LaSalle
Class B: Quitman
Class C: Calvin
LHSAA Baseball Champions:
Div 1 Select: Catholic B.R.
Div 2 Select: Teurlings Catholic
Div 3 Select: Catholic N.I.
Div 4 Select: Vermillion Catholic
Div 1 Non-Select: Sam Houston
Div 2 Non-Select: North Desoto
Div 3 Non-Select: Sterlington
Div 4 Non-Select: Oak Grove
Class B: Pitkin
Class C: Ebarb
The Jennie Finch World Series softball tournament comes swinging into town the week of June 12th. This massive tournament brings in over 1,000 youth top-talent softball players and their families from across the country, including states such as California, Oklahoma, and Indiana! Playing in Sulphur, this tournament runs throughout the week, so keep your schedule open to catch a game. The Jennie Finch World Series will play at North Frasch and Pattison Park from June 12-15.
More sporting events and details can be found on our calendar of events! For the need-to-know information, big-game updates, and successes of the sporting world in SWLA, be sure to check out Where Champions are Crowned, released on the first of each month on visitlakecharles.org. Let’s Play!
