Host Kerry Barboza (sports editor, The Boerne Star) interviews Chris Carey, president of Boerne Little League, at Boerne Radio Studios. The conversation covers the 2026 All-Star team's run to the Southwest Regional tournament in Waco, how it compares to the celebrated 2024 team, community growth, and Chris's three-year tenure as president.

The 2026 team advanced to Southwest Regionals (Aug. 4, Waco, TX) — one round from the Little League World Series

Comparison to the 2024 team (finished 2nd nationally, 4th internationally), noting differences in team cohesion and adversity experience

Tim Crist's book about the 2024 season and its fundraising tie to the league

Boerne Little League enrollment grew from ~1,000 to ~1,200 kids post-2024 buzz; softball nearly doubled to ~170 players

The 2026 roster: coached by Greg Yost, Rusty Belden, Josh Cude; players include Anders Paulsen, Boone Blalock, Carson Patrick, and others

Little League vs. select baseball — collaboration over competition, arm care concerns

Chris's role: 25–30 hrs/week during season, stepping down July 31 after 3 years as president

Timeline

Time     Topic

0:00     Introductions — Kerry, Baron Wiley, Steban Serrano, Chris Carey

0:45     Regionals details — Waco, Aug. 4, George W. Bush Field complex

1:04     Texas split into two state tournaments (only state to do so), I-35/I-10 divider

1:39     East Texas competitors — Lamar, Pearland

1:59     2026 vs. 2024 team comparison — cohesion, adversity, first comeback win

2:58     Crowd noise at Waco/Williamsport; importance of hand signals

3:29     2024 team legacy — Tim Crist's book, recognition, detail of the season

5:03     Book's advice on player development — balancing pressure vs. challenge

5:49     2024 homecoming parade — police escort, water cannon, thousands of attendees

6:33     Kerry's parade video — 500K views on X, worldwide Facebook followers

7:21     Tournament recognition of 2024 kids; focus on players over the league

7:40     2024 players now entering high school — split between Champion and Boerne High

8:37     Julian and Jett's growth spurts; Cole Newsom moving to Charlotte

9:27     Justin Newsom (2024 coach) still in touch, offering advice to current coach Greg

10:29  Cole Newsom thriving in Charlotte; travel baseball highlight reels

11:07  Enrollment bump post-2024 — grew from ~1,000 to ~1,200 kids

11:29  Biggest growth in 8–11-year-olds; 25 minor league teams (10 more than ever)

12:11  Softball growth — ~170 kids, nearly doubled; challenges vs. baseball scheduling

13:29  UT softball national championships; Le'Ann Goode mentioned

14:04  Boerne's state tournament history — only 3 teams ever: 2000, 2024, 2026

14:43  Key to success — competitive kids staying in Little League, better pitching

15:20  300+ coaches, 25 board members; volunteer structure

15:56  Bauer Field history — Boerne White Sox, 1900s, cinder block dugouts

16:29  2026 roster named in full

17:13  Case Yarbrough — grandson of Missions president Burl Yarbrough; mom Alex won state softball title

17:29  Little League vs. select baseball — collaboration, not competition

18:34  Schedule overlap; select coaches flexible on Little League game days

19:18  Arm care — parents and coaches must coordinate pitch counts

19:32  Chris's tenure — 3 years as president, 4 on board; stepping down July 31

20:27  Time commitment — 25–30 hrs/week in season, 10–15 off-season

21:04  Legacy and highlights — meeting families, growing the community

21:22  Best part of being president — the kids; fist bumps at the grocery store

21:43  Closing — thanks to Chris, good luck at Waco

Original Air Date:  July 18, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/