TOMS RIVER After a sixth inning rally fell short for Toms River Little League in Fridays Mid-Atlantic Regional semifinal the team was met with a heros welcome while arriving home on Saturday.It might not have been the Canyon of Heroes but for the group of all-stars traveling atop fire trucks from Ninos Family Restaurant on Route 9 to the Toms River Little League complex complete with a convoy of fire department vehicles leading the way it certainly felt similar.Its awesome to see how much our town really backed us up on this journey and how much they really appreciate you going that far said Connor Cino who belted a two-run sixth inning double in Fridays semifinal. When we started here on this field we never dreamed about getting to a regional but we did it because were the team that could do it. Every group of all-stars is capable of getting that far but we did it because we were such a strong team.A congregation of families friends supporters and longtime Toms River Little League enthusiasts were on hand to greet this collection of talented young ballplayers who posted a 4-1 record in Mid-Atlantic Region competition and as the congratulatory handshakes and embraces began the picture became clearer. This accomplishment went beyond the concept of team. It took a family to complete this journey.This is absolutely a family Toms River Little League manager Pete Avallone said. That idea of a team becoming a family is something the coaching staff and I have stressed to these kids from the first week we had them back in June. All 13 of you are part of this family and they treated it like one. They fought for one another and every single one of them contributed in a big way at one point throughout this journey.Its been a long fun ride Toms River pitcher and first baseman Kayla Roncin said. To work and win with my friends to see us stick together and take on a new challenge every day was a lot of fun.It was a ride that started back in June and included both a District 18 championship and a New Jersey State title before an impressive run through Mid-Atlantic Region play. And its one Avallone saw coming early on.We could definitely see from the start that this group had something special about it Avallone said. You knew the ability was obviously there but to make a run like this you need something extra. You need to have good smart ballplayers that play well for a long stretch which we had but you also need a lot of luck. And we had both from the start.Though Toms Rivers decorated run ended prematurely its the memories that mean the most and which will be shared by player and parent alike for a lifetime.Coaches were telling Jon Giordano that he just didnt have what it takes to be a pitcher said Debra Giordano mother of Toms River pitcher and slugger Jonathan Giordano. Now hes out there on the mound helping his team win championships and we owe Little League coach Roy Craig for giving him the chance. Those are the memories that are going to stick with us.It was an incredible experience and a very stressful one having to watch them play. Youre happy when they win sad when they lose. It was a ride for sure. But for me Ill always remember those around me the ones you spent those times with. And I know the experiences with the kids he played with will stick out for Jon as well.I love how we fought together said Jonathan Giordano. We never gave up no matter the situation. Im proud of what we accomplished and theres no other group of players I would have wanted to be on this journey with.Chris Rotolo rote7123 www.app.com
