Not a small thing: Adrian Cruz becomes overnight sensation for Paseo Verde

Adrian Cruz, the sole 11‑year‑old on Paseo Verde’s Little League roster, has become an overnight sensation at the Little League World Series. Cruz was not originally expected to make the team; he was preparing to play for the 12U National Team for Team USA when his family received the call that Paseo Verde needed a substitute because of uncertainty surrounding second‑baseman Theo Bingham’s illness. At 4‑foot‑6, Cruz joined the squad in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in time for the tournament. As the team’s second baseman, he has already made an impact, putting Paseo Verde just one win away from the U.S. title game. A victory over Davenport Northwest (Iowa) on Wednesday would secure the berth. Manager Cory Edwards praised Cruz’s contributions, saying, “He is tiny. He is small. But he is simply a flat‑out shot player.” Cruz has logged four plate appearances in two games without recording a hit. His sacrifice fly in the 5‑0 victory over Tacoma drove in Paseo Verde’s second run during a five‑run fifth inning. While his bat stayed quiet, his glove shone: Cruz made a highlight‑reel sliding catch on a pop‑up drifting toward foul territory, preserving pitcher Brooks McFarland’s no‑hitter that carried into the fifth inning. Edwards added, “He got a truly good leap on that ball. He’s a max‑effort guy, too.”

Sliding successful to prevention the time ��
Rule the Dirt, presented by @Ford pic.twitter.com/hEFNBlL9JD— Little League (@LittleLeague) August 23, 2026blockquote>