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SWOYERSVILLE — In spite of heavy rain on Saturday, a welcome home parade and ceremony were held to honor the Swoyersville American Legion team for winning the state championship.

Fans lined the streets of the borough, as emergency vehicles from Forty Fort, Swoyersville and Kingston escorted the players and coaches to the American Legion Post 644.

“These young men gave up their whole summer to play baseball. They should be very proud,” said John “Chick” Romanchick, the post’s vice commander.

Mark Baron, who is in his final season with the team, described the season as “a wild ride” as he addressed more than 50 people gathered.

Baron said he was glad he came back for one last year.

“We get along,” he said, laughing. “Mostly.”

Assistant Coach Gary Gavrish said the team had originally been “a little light” going into the season, with several players finishing up their high school seasons.

“In three years, we’ve taken states twice,” he said. “Before that we hadn’t won a state championship since 1938.”

He credited team spirit among the players and support from the community with energizing the team.

Gavrish, who coaches alongside his step-son, Sean Toole, said he would be resting up before the team again hits the road on Tuesday heading for the Mid-Atlantic regional competition in Leesburg, Virginia.

“If we could get through the Mid-Atlantics, we could make it all the way,” said team member Justin Montalvo.

Should the team prevail at the Mid-Atlantic Regionals, they will then move on to the national competition in North Carolina.

“Our senior team won states and our junior team is down in Pottstown playing for the junior legion state championship,” said Gavrish. “They lost a game this morning, but they are still in it.”

Gavrish said the team’s secret weapon and newest addition, bat boy Langdon James, won over the hearts of players, parents and fans.

Langdon’s dad, Don James, thanked the team for embracing his son.

“He would come home saying he had a new buddy,” he said. “You treated my son like a king.”

Mayor Chris Concert thanked Councilwoman Patty O’Donnell with putting the parade together on a moment’s notice.

“We’re so proud of you,” Concert told the team. “Not just friends and family, but the entire town.”

Swoyersville Legion Assistant Coach Gary Gavrish holds bat boy Landon James, 5, who he credits with inspiring the team this season.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_al2_faa-1.jpg.optimal.jpgSwoyersville Legion Assistant Coach Gary Gavrish holds bat boy Landon James, 5, who he credits with inspiring the team this season. Fred Adams | for Times Leader

In spite of torrential rain, a parade was held Saturday for Swoyersville’s the state champion Senior American Legion baseball team.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_al3_faa-1.jpg.optimal.jpgIn spite of torrential rain, a parade was held Saturday for Swoyersville’s the state champion Senior American Legion baseball team. Fred Adams | for Times Leader

The Swoyersville Senior American Legion state champions.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_al4_faa-1.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Swoyersville Senior American Legion state champions. Fred Adams | for Times Leader

By Geri Gibbons

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Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons