The 13U Five Cities Babe Ruth All-Stars celebrated its recent World Series title on Wednesday with a championship parade in Arroyo Grande.
The team was escorted down Branch Street in The Village on a flat-bed truck float as hundreds of fans, friends, family, and community members cheered them on.
"I’m so proud of you guys," said Babe Ruth All-Stars head coach Mike Afzali during the award ceremony. "I love you guys. And we did it, baby!"
The team went through a series of challenges earning the title but most of the games was what they called, "quick dubs."
They dominated each step of the way, winning state, regionals, and lastly, a wild come-from-behind World Series title game, 7-6.
The best of the experience was being able to rally the community together to celebrate their victorious feat.
"These are extraordinary accomplishments from 14 young men, three coaches, and their parents and their community that supported them," said Frank Schiro, a Five Cities Babe Ruth league coach.
City officials only had a week to put on the event but executed a successful night for the team. "What an awesome job that these kids did," said Arroyo Grande Mayor Jim Hill. "Just a phenomenal thing. They’re an inspiration to entire community."
The team was also very appreciative of the community support. "I like to thank the community for making this whole thing happen. Especially Me and Z’s restaurant for the whole Monday night dinner fundraiser happening, raising $6,500 out of the $20,000 we made to go to Arkansas," said Kaden Tynes, Babe Ruth World Series champion.
