The Pueblos (2000 population: 63,000) have been playing baseball since the 1930s, and the present organized leagues of men's baseball date back more than half a century. This year, the villages are supporting two leagues with a total of 29 teams. That's about twice as many as a decade ago, and the number could climb to 37 or 38 next season. Several pueblos have more than one team, with the Jemez Pueblo, about 50 miles southwest of Los Alamos, fielding seven.
In addition, 16 women's teams play fast-pitch softball.
"Summers come around, and you know that Mother's Day is always the beginning of baseball," says Dave Chalan, a former manager and president of the southern league who, at 45, plays first base and occasionally pitches for the Cochiti Pueblo Brewers.
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