For more than four decades, the New Orleans Alumni Association has carried forward one of Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s most cherished traditions: the SAE World Series.
Now in its 41st year, the event once again brought together brothers from across the country for a weekend defined by competition, camaraderie, and lifelong brotherhood. While championships were won and trophies awarded, the true story of the SAE World Series was found in the relationships strengthened, memories shared, and connections forged between generations of brothers.
This year’s tournament featured 16 teams representing collegiate chapters, alumni associations, and groups of brothers from across the realm. From first pitch to final out, the tournament demonstrated the enduring power of fraternity and the unique ability of SAE to bring brothers together long after graduation.
Among the most meaningful stories of the weekend was the participation of two teams formed in memory of brothers who passed away last year. Johnny’s Angels honored Brother John Ellinghausen, while the Battman Team took the field in remembrance of Brother Jay Batt.
Johnny’s Angels was organized by Brother Ellinghausen’s daughter and comprised of family members and friends who came together to celebrate the life and legacy of a beloved father, friend, and brother. Likewise, the Battman Team served as a tribute to Brother Batt, ensuring that his memory remained an active part of a tradition he loved.
Together, the two teams provided a powerful reminder that the bonds formed through Sigma Alpha Epsilon do not end with graduation, nor are they broken by death. Their participation reflected the very best of lifelong brotherhood and demonstrated how deeply a brother’s influence can be felt by his family, his friends, and his Fraternity. Through their presence on the field, the memories of Brothers Ellinghausen and Batt remained woven into the fabric of the tournament, reminding all in attendance that while brothers may enter Chapter Eternal, their impact on the Fraternity endures.
The tournament also showcased extraordinary participation from Louisiana Epsilon, which fielded four teams in the competition. Three of those teams ultimately finished among the tournament’s top three, highlighting not only athletic excellence but a remarkable culture of engagement among generations of Louisiana Epsilon brothers.
This year marked only the second time in tournament history that a National Office team participated in the World Series. Known as “The Nationals,” the roster featured current and former staff members representing various eras of service to the Fraternity.
The team included Foundation CEO Tom Kilian, Chief Financial Officer Juan Faria, former staff member and North Dakota Beta alumnus Grant Maris, grandson of baseball legend Roger Maris, and several other brothers united by a shared desire to participate in one of SAE’s most enduring traditions.
Despite having never practiced together, the Nationals quickly found success on the field. They opened tournament play with a dramatic 6-5 victory over Georgia Eta, highlighted by a spectacular 8-6-3 double play. After battling one of the tournament’s top teams in a hard-fought contest and earning another victory in bracket play, the Nationals ultimately finished seventh overall, an impressive result for a team assembled only a month before the tournament began.
“We didn’t know what to expect,” said coach Kevin Gath. “We played incredibly cohesively given that we had never practiced together. We limited errors, competed in every game, and represented SAE well.”
The championship ultimately came down to a battle between the LSU Alumni Association and the LSU Juniors. After fighting their way through the consolation bracket, the Juniors accomplished the improbable by defeating the alumni team twice to capture the 2026 SAE World Series Championship.
The tournament concluded with the LSU Juniors raising the World Series trophy. In addition, Brothers Thane Dusek, James Devall, James Foster, and Tommy Mason were recognized with the Order of the Lion, for their commitment to Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Longtime World Series advocate, volunteer, and participant Ron Rigamer received the Shield of Brotherhood in recognition of his years of dedication to the event and the Fraternity.
Yet perhaps the most important victories of the weekend were not reflected in the final standings.
Throughout the tournament, collegiate members shared dugouts with alumni. Volunteers and National Office staff competed alongside chapter brothers. Families gathered in support of loved ones. Old friendships were renewed, and new ones were formed.
For many attendees, the weekend served as a reminder of what makes the SAE experience unique: the opportunity to remain connected to something larger than oneself throughout a lifetime.
“This was my first time attending the World Series, and I was blown away by what I found,” Gath said. “Events like this give collegiate members the chance to connect with alumni in a meaningful way, and they remind all of us why we stay involved. This is fraternity at its best.”
Brother Grant Maris echoed that sentiment, encouraging brothers across the country to experience the event for themselves.
“Brother Geary Mason and the rest of the SAE World Series crew put on a first-class event that should be on every SAE’s bucket list,” Maris said. “If you’re reading this, call your chapter brothers and get a team together for a great weekend of softball, fun, and brotherhood.”
At a time when organizations across the country continue searching for ways to foster meaningful lifelong engagement, the SAE World Series remains a living example of fraternity in action. It demonstrates that the bonds formed in college can continue to enrich lives decades later and that brotherhood is strongest when shared across generations.
The trophies will eventually find their place on shelves. The scores will fade with time.
What will remain are the memories made, the friendships strengthened, and the reminder that Sigma Alpha Epsilon is, and always has been, a fraternity built on relationships.
For 41 years, the SAE World Series has celebrated that truth. And in New Orleans this summer, it did so once again.
To learn the latest updates on next year’s tournament, follow the SAE World Series Facebook page, the Instagram @sae_world_series account or visit www.saeworldseries.net.
