TR East Little League Marks World Title's 20th Anniversary

TOMS RIVER, NJ — If you're old enough, you remember the fever that set into Toms River in the summer of 1998, as a team of 11- and 12-year-olds worked their way from the base paths of Ocean County to the spotlights of Williamsport.

The Toms River East American Little League team became the Little League World Champions that summer. Gaynor and Fisher and Franceschini and, of course, Frazier, became household names. And 20 years later, they still hold a place in the hearts of many who remember that electric run from the district tournament through the region, state, and East Region to Lamade Stadium.

The feat earned them a street — Route 37, no less — receiving the honorary title of Little League Champions Boulevard. A plaque commemmorating their feat is part of a permanent display at the Ocean County Mall.

On Saturday, the Toms River East American Little League kicked off its 2018 season, with kids from T-ball up through senior league age lacing up their baseball cleats and punching their gloves, embarking on a new season and a renewed quest to capture the magic again.

The season opened with a parade, and along with Councilwoman Maria Maruca and Councilman Mo Hill, some of the member of the 1998 Little League World Series Champion team joined the celebration. Mike Gaynor, coach of that team, addressed the players and parents, and was joined by some of the players, who have children of their own now.

Todd Frazier, the most famous alum of the group, could not be there of course; the New York Mets third baseman had a game against the Brewers on Saturday. On Friday night, Frazier hit two home runs, his first of the season and first with the Mets. His career gives the youngsters starting the season reason to dream.

Stacy Proebstle, public information officer for Toms River, shared photos of the opening ceremonies on the township's Facebook page.

Photos by Stacy Proebstle, Toms River Township public information officer, used with permission; photo of plaque commemmorating the championship, which sits at Ocean County Mall, by Karen Wall, Patch staff