There’s something special about a warm summer night in Texas, a particular magic when the air hangs heavy with the scent of cut grass and worn leather, the distant hum of crickets fills the quiet moments, and the staccato ping of a bat echoes through the neighborhood like a crack of lightning. These nights somehow feel timeless, like childhood dreams are being stitched into the fabric of each stained jersey. Two years ago, that kind of magic alighted upon Boerne, following a group of twelve kids whose historic run to the Little League World Series became the stuff of local legend.
The odyssey that began under the heat of the Hill Country sun turned into a journey that eventually stretched across the map. Beginning with a dominant 17-0 showing against Ingram, the team set a tone of ferocity that would carry them through the gauntlet. They dismantled rivals at Sectionals, steamrolled through the State Tournament, and stared down high-stakes tension in Waco by knocking off Arkansas, New Mexico, and Louisiana to punch their tickets to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. With every win, the legend grew—a 17-game streak that felt almost cinematic, culminating in the heart-pounding pressure of the US Championship game. Though they fell just shy of the ultimate prize against Florida, the legacy they scuffed into the dirt of those ballfields remains.
Now, two years later, many of our “Boerne Boys” are still around and loving the game. Several came out to the Little League All-Stars tryout night in May to encourage the contenders for the 2026 team. They even pitched to the kids, allowing coaches a chance to see how the hopefuls would fare against 70-mile-per-hour fastballs. They also made a showing at Boerne ISD’s baseball camp in June. Eleven of the kids are entering high school this fall, so they wanted to show Coaches Geoff Curtin (Boerne) and Ben Woodchick (Champion) all their skills. Watch the boys compete in baseball tryouts in January for the 2027 spring season.
When looking back on the 2024 season, the kids told us that some of their favorite memories were meeting players from other states and countries. They thought seeing different cultures in person was very cool. Big lessons learned included the value of working hard, never giving up, and always supporting your team. If you practice and believe in yourself, you can do amazing things!
Let’s check in with some of the players to find out what they’re doing now and see what adventures they have on deck.
Jett Matthews
Jett “The Jett,” who dazzled with his play at shortstop, turning 22 double plays in 2024 while wearing his flashy green cleats, continues to wow with the Lonestar Baseball Club. He had a great season—including a 315-foot home run—and his team competed at the WWBA National Championship this summer. Jett has shot up from 5’5”, 95 pounds over the past two years to 6’, 135 pounds. Jett played basketball and ran track for Voss Middle School, placing third in the district meet for high jump. He enters Boerne High School this fall with a 4.0 GPA as part of the Class of 2030.
Kole Newson
Kole’s family moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, in January 2026 when his dad, Justin Newson (the 2024 team’s General Manager), took a new job. Kole has reached 6’ in height, which he regularly reminds his family. He is playing travel ball for Showcase Baseball Academy and traveling to tournaments across the Southeast in hopes of earning a chance to play college baseball at a D1 school. Oh yeah, he is also playing quarterback for Cuthbertson HS this fall. All of this after undergoing open-heart surgery at 8 years old, proving he’s got no limits!
Julian Hurst
Julian, who threw 74 miles per hour in the Little League games, is now throwing an incredible 83.
Aiden Muñoz
Aiden has grown a lot, both physically and athletically. He now stands 5'7" and checks in at 150 pounds. Through the growth, he has remained dedicated to baseball, continuing to compete with the Lonestar Baseball Club. Throughout middle school, Aiden played soccer, basketball, and football, demonstrating his athletic versatility, work ethic, and commitment to team competition. Aiden also enjoys playing golf with family and friends, which reflects his appreciation for both competition and recreation. He plans to continue his athletic pursuits at Champion High School, where he hopes to learn from one of the most respected baseball coaches and continue pursuing excellence both on and off the field.
Doc Mogford
Doc has been soaring to new heights, as he recently won the long jump at a local track meet with a distance of 19’ 1.5”.
Gage Steubing
Gage Steubing has been off to the races. In ‘24, ESPN dubbed him “Boerne’s fastest kid,” especially when he turned three hits into triples during the World Series run. On the track, he set a record in the 300m hurdles with a time of 41.07 seconds, marking the third-fastest middle school time in the nation.
Kaleb Christ
As the lone 11-year-old on the Little League team, Kaleb is excited for 8th grade this fall. As a seventh grader at Voss Middle School, he was the quarterback and kicker for the football “A” team, ran cross country, played basketball, ran track, and played tennis. Kaleb also continues to excel on his select baseball teams. He played a pivotal role in his team's recent tournament success against top-ranked opponents, delivering strong performances as both a pitcher and a hitter.
Kaleb has grown as well, adding 4 inches and almost 30 pounds since the ‘24 season.
As Kaleb’s father, I published the book How Boerne Made History and Played on Their Field of Dreams to chronicle this historic accomplishment for our community and to inspire future generations of baseball kids and families. As we reflect on that historic summer, we remember all the lessons learned and how love, plus focus, plus discipline can equal extraordinary results.
Find the book locally at The Boerne Bookshop (theboernebookshop.com) and D-Bat Boerne (dbatboerne.com).
PULL QUOTE 1 (15):
Now two years later, many of our “Boerne Boys” are still around and loving the game.
PULL QUOTE 2 (15):
Big lessons learned included the value of working hard, never giving up, and always supporting your team.
PULL QUOTE 3 (15):
If you practice and believe in yourself, you can do amazing things!