Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Shelby, NC (WNN) - The 2025 American Legion World Series Championship game has arrived. This series has been a spectacular and entertaining event. Someone was heard asking why there were no fireworks, and another fan looked at them, dumbfounded, and simply stated 35 homeruns is plenty of fireworks. Tonight's pregame festivities were over-the-top exciting and breathtaking. Things began about an hour before first pitch with a jaw-dropping parachuting display performed by the U.S. Army Golden Knights. Next up, the game ball was flown in via helicopter by Operation Helo, and finally, the final flyover of the Museum of Flight vintage T-28 Warbirds—an exhilarating start to an even more exciting game.
The Golden Knights showcase the Army's values and capabilities through demonstration, tandem, and competitive teams. Their performances have been witnessed at airshows and sporting events nationwide and internationally. All team members are active-duty soldiers based out of Fort Bragg, NC. To be chosen as a team member, each applicant must demonstrate excellence in parachuting. They consist of a combination of expert teams of soldiers brought together by their love of skydiving. The Golden Knights are widely known for wowing audiences through thrilling and breathtaking aerial performances. They perform each year at the ALWS in Shelby, NC, weather permitting. After they conclude their performance, they meet with fans and demonstrate the meticulous packing of their chutes.
A small group of concerned volunteers came together in a grassroots effort during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. They had witnessed many stories of disaster relief efforts being stalled due to inaccessibility and rescue attempts being thwarted for the same reason. The co-founders, Matt McSwain and Eric Robinson, were contacted about reaching these areas by plane, and after a quick assessment, it was determined that it would need to be a helo operation, and Operation Helo was born and formed as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit made of pilots and volunteers. Helicopter operations can reach areas and perform reconnaissance and rescue that are impossible for ground vehicles. They have now grown into a nationwide movement providing disaster response capabilities that include search and rescue, medical evacuations, and delivery of supplies during emergencies and natural disasters. Their core mission is to fill the gaps left by traditional boots on the ground disaster relief.
Chesapeake got things going in the bottom of the first as leadoff hitter Reid Downs was walked. The normally elusive Downs was gunned down trying to steal second. Keegan Haesler singled and was successful in stealing second base. He scored on Ryan Gocio's base hit. Virginia leads Texas 1-0. Looking to get back into the game in the top of the third inning, Texas' Jackson Higgins lined a stand-up double with two outs. Asa Sampson followed it with a walk, a wild pitch advances both runners, and it looked as if Texas would tie the game at least. Ronald Rouse popped up to second to end the threat. Score still 1-0 in favor of Virginia. Two runners were left on base in the bottom of the third as Virginia missed a chance to add to their lead.
Jackson Higgins hit a two-out single in the top of the fifth, Asa Sampson ripped a line drive that resulted in a bad throw, and Higgins tried to score but was tagged out at the plate. Virginia tried a little trickery in the bottom of the inning. Trey Campos led off the inning with a bunt single. A wild pitch sent him down to third base after he had stolen second. Reid Vandergrift singled to score Campos. Virginia pulled ahead 2-0. The top of the sixth saw another crazy series of events. Parker Collier walked. The next batter, Noah Paulson, reached on a fielder's choice.
The ensuing throw was wild but bounced off the brick wall back to Ben Kablach at first, and he threw down to second, completing the very unusual double play to end the inning. Virginia opened things up a little in the bottom of the inning. Ben Kablach started things off with a single, and Xavier Doon sacrificed a bunt to the pitcher. Jack Bonney came in to pinch hit and hit a two-run homerun, followed by a solo homerun from Trey Campos. Virginia had a more comfortable 5-0 lead heading into the final inning.
Charlie Hogan gets Conner Keys out, but he reached his pitch count limit. Ty Woods was brought in from the bullpen. He had only pitched 1/3 of an inning in this series. Woods rose to the occasion and used only 6 pitches to strike out Tyler Sauers and get Jarret Williams to ground out, and that's the ball game. Texas scored 0 runs, on 4 hits, made no errors, and left 6 runners on base. Virginia scored 5 runs on 7 hits, made 1 error, and left 5 runners on base. Charlie Hogan pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out 5 and giving up 4 hits—final score Virginia 5, Texas 0. The new record for home runs hit finished at 37. Congratulations to our 2025 ALWS Champion: Chesapeake, Virginia Post 280 Seals!
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