Post 25-58 Commander Dan Nicholson compared the Red River Credit Union Texarkana Razorbacks 2016 American Legion World Series championship to winning the lottery.
Head coach Dane Peavy, his staff and 16 players were recognized Saturday night at the local American Legion headquarters on Broad Street.
"I'm not a big baseball fan, but I was really excited, and it's a proud day for the Hogs," said Nicholson, who indicated Texarkana's Legion baseball program started in 1928, and despite several state championships, 2016 marked the first time for a Texarkana team to win the national title. In fact, the Razorbacks' only other appearance at the World Series came in 1990. The Texarkana, Texas, Indians advanced to the Series in 2009, finishing fourth.
Nicholson praised Peavy and his coaching staff (Reid Peavy, Jonathan Boucher, Jonathan Orr, Carlton Bailey and Seth Beard).
"It was kind of like winning the lottery," said Peavy, who was recently hired to be the head baseball coach in Bossier City, La., at 5A Airline High School. "It's almost like every break and everything has to go your way. One little mishap and it could be the end of your season. We're thankful and blessed to be in this position. We were so happy to bring this championship to Texarkana.
"There were several times throughout our quest where we were pretty much left for dead; The kids battled back and persevered. It was like that in the final game of the World Series. The guys had a going joke pretty much in every tournament, saying, 'Lose the first one, put our backs to the wall, and we'll play better.'"
Nothing was said Saturday, but the Razorbacks' Mid-South Regional Championship won't be forgotten anytime soon. The Hogs and Bryant, Ark., were scheduled to play for the title, but the game was canceled because of the weather, and Texarkana declared the champion by virtue of having one more win in the tournament.
"It was an unfortunate situation," Peavy said. "I'll say to this day that I wanted to settle it on the field. Other people think otherwise, but I can't help but think if Bryant had been in our position they would have done it the same way. I think most people thought we were the best team. We had beaten Bryant four times in six games."
There's even more good news for Texarkana baseball fans. The Razorbacks return 15 of the 18 players on their 2016 roster, including 13 who played in the World Series.
Those not returning include pitcher Zac Harrington, center fielder Blake Hall and second baseman Nick Myers.
"That's a big three," Peavy said. "Anytime you're losing not just quality players, but high character and leaders, you're program is going to suffer a little bit. I don't think we'll drop off any on the field next summer, but we've got to find some leaders."
Catcher Will Smith was the World Series MVP, and is expected back. There's no denying Smith's contributions, but the Hogs' depth on the mound was probably the real key to the team's success.
Harrington, Austin Stubber, Beau Burson, Logan Vidrine, Tanner Vaught, Hunter Lewis, Patrick Flanagan and Austin Cross were the pitching ringleaders. Genoa Central's Justin Swecker also will be back next summer after sitting out the championship season with an injury, as did Zack Phillips.
Position players returning include Matt Goodheart, Riley Orr, Cole Boyd, Parker Ribble and Jay French.
"Since I've been coaching this team (eight years) we've hoped to have one or two years where we wouldn't have to recruit a lot," Peavy said. "We feel like we have built a solid program. This group really bonded, and the future should mean more good baseball in Texarkana."