Meet Eastdale, the team representing New Mexico in the Little League regionals

One key note about this squad from Eastdale Little League: They love to play ball.

On the surface, that might seem obvious. But for a group of (mostly) 12-year-old boys, focus can wane easily. Not in this case. This team always wants to be on the field.

“They get upset when we get rained out (for practice) like we did (last week),” said coach Mike McDuffie. “We’ve always given them the day off after we’ve won tournaments, and they never want to have a day off. They’re just a group of kids that love to be out here, love to be together. They all get along phenomenally. I couldn’t be more proud of them as a coach.”

Eastdale will represent New Mexico at the Southwest Regionals — as part of the Little League Majors division — in Waco, Texas, beginning Thursday with a first-round matchup against an opponent from Hewitt, Texas (Texas West). To get there, Eastdale had to vanquish Roadrunner, the regional representative the past two years, in the state tournament.

It was an especially pressure-packed environment because Eastdale lost to Roadrunner 9-5 on July 15, forcing an elimination game one day later. They prevailed in the decisive game, winning 4-1.

“It kind of put a chip on our shoulder to say lock in and win this one,” said Rylan McDuffie, the coach’s son. “Because Roadrunner is a rival, so we really wanted to win that.”

On-field chemistry, those on the team say, is key. It was especially critical in that decisive game.

“It was impossible for Roadrunner to score a run on us because we were communicating with each other,” said catcher/outfielder Brody Whitehurst. “We were just working together.”

Now it’s on to the next challenge: Teams from other states. Games broadcast on ESPN+. The allure of a potential berth in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. According to their coach, the moment won’t be too big.

“When you’re not in Little League season, you’re playing those travel ball (games), and you’re going to play Texas teams and Arizona teams, Colorado. We’ve played teams from Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina,” Mike McDuffie said. “So just getting them as much of that out-of-state exposure in the offseason is a good thing and will hopefully benefit them going into Waco.

“They’ve done it before, and so hopefully that gives them a little bit of comfort.”

Eastdale won’t necessarily be a favorite, but part of the appeal is getting the opportunity to test their skills on a larger stage.

“I think we’ll have a chance, but I think it’s also going to be more of a fun experience, like a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said shortstop Brom Eaton. “So we are going to try and enjoy it.”

Pressure comes with the territory. It’s just a matter of processing it.

“You just have to clear it from your mind and just take a deep breath and get to the next pitch and just focus on the game,” said Rylan McDuffie. “And then watch the highlights after.”

Mike McDuffie says the foundation of this Eastdale team is its defense and pitching — mixed with just the right amount of offense.

There might be an even more important ingredient, one that goes back to love of the game.

“I think they’re fighters, they’re grinders,” said Mike McDuffie. “You know, they put in the effort every day, and it shows out there when we go out there on game day.”

Adds Whitehurst: “I think we’re successful because we work as a team. It’s not one guy that does it. It’s all of us who do this to win games.”

Mike McDuffie grew up playing for Altamont Little League, but he never made it out of district play, because Roadrunner was a formidable obstacle even back then. That makes it all the more special to see what this group has accomplished. Though most won’t necessarily articulate it, there are more lofty expectations in mind than just winning a game or two in Waco.

“When we first started this thing back in early June, we set some team goals. And one of those goals was to come home with five banners this summer, which would mean we won everything,” he said. “And so, that’s ultimately the goal.

“It’s once in a lifetime experience for a lot of these kids. And so as long as they go out and have fun and enjoy it, we can live with the result.”