Several Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma stickball teams traveled to Mississippi to compete in the 2026 World Series of Stickball.
The Tvshka Homma, Tvshka Homma Ohoyo, Tvshka Homma 35 and Older and Tvshka Homma Himmitta teams competed against Chickasaw Nation and Mississippi Choctaw teams for championship titles in four divisions.
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma teams found success throughout the tournament, with two teams advancing to championship games for the first time.
The Tvshka Homma Himmitta youth team turned in a history-making performance in its second appearance at the World Series. The team opened the tournament with an 8-0 mercy-rule victory over Ittibatoli on July 14, then defeated Pearl River in sudden-death overtime in the semifinals to advance to its first championship game. Tvshka Homma Himmitta challenged three-time defending champion Bok Cito before falling 3-2 in a hard-fought title game on July 17.
The Tvshka Homma 35 and Older team also earned its first trip to the championship game after defeating defending champion Beaver Dam 3-2 in sudden-death overtime. Center shooter Tony Shepherd Jr. returned from an injury to make several key plays, including setting up Alejandro Martin’s game-winning shot. The team advanced to the championship game against Oka Homma on July 17 but fell 1-0.
In the women’s division, Tvshka Homma Ohoyo defeated Beaver Dam 5-0 in the opening round to advance to the semifinals before falling to Oka Homma 3-0. In the men’s division, Tvshka Homma opened tournament play with a hard-fought 4-2 loss to Oka Homma.
“I’m so proud of all our Choctaw stickball teams for representing the Choctaw Nation with pride at the Stickball World Series. Congratulations to Tvshkahomma Men’s 35+ and Tvshkahomma Himitta on incredible tournament runs,” Chief Gary Batton said in a social media post. “Yakoke to everyone who continues to preserve and celebrate this important part of our culture. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Choctaw Labor Day Festival!”
Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr. also shared words of encouragement with the teams.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these young athletes for embracing and preserving a sport that is at the very heart of our culture. Yakoke, Tulli Okchi Ishko—we are proud of you!”
The teams will compete again during the 2026 Choctaw Labor Day Festival, scheduled for Sept. 4-6. Additional information, including brackets and game times, will be posted on the official Choctaw Labor Day Festival website and Facebook page as it becomes available.
