An exuberant Narberth American Legion Baseball Prep Team wins first-ever state championship

'Our coaches knew this team had the potential…'

By Mary Brown | [email protected]
MAINLINE TIMES & SUBURBAN

Mackey Field in Boyertown, Wednesday, July 23 was an upbeat and brilliant day, especially for the Narberth Prep Team representing the Harold D. Speakman Post 356 in year 100 of the American Legion Baseball program.

On that day five of the State Championship series, the Narberth players secured a penultimate win over Boyertown (12-2), and secured their final victory over Norchester (3-2), avenging their only loss in the double-elimination tournament.

Fans throughout and for the final game were animated and enthusiastic to the last out, with the Narberth families jubilant at their team’s hard-fought win.

Narberth Head Coach Mike Burch explains, “From day one, our coaches knew this team had the potential for a deep playoff run, and more importantly, the players knew it too.

“Having coached these young men for years, we understood how much they love to compete. We made sure to keep it fun, because that’s when they play their best baseball.

“Throughout the summer, this team faced all kinds of adversity, both on and off the field, but they just kept playing, no matter the situation. It was truly a joy to coach this group.”

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From July 12-14, the Region 3 tournament was hosted by Falls Little League in Levittown, Bucks County, a week before the States took place in Boyertown.

The Narberth Prep team representing the Main Line League comprises players 13, 14, and 15 years of age.

They won all of their match-ups in the Region 3 Tournament, earning a line in the State Championship playoff brackets.

Those July 12-14 match-ups were Falls (W, 5-4), Newtown (W, 16-13), and the championship game versus Newtown (W, 8-4).

For the 8-Team State Tournament from July 19-23, Narberth played Boone (W, 14-0), Norchester (L, 3-9), Berwick (W, 4-2), Sawyersville (W, 16-1), and Boyertown (W, 12-2), and the championship game versus Norchester (W, 3-2). Glenmore and Newtown also competed.

The 2025 Narberth Prep Roster includes:

John Bomar (#15), Boden Burch (10), John Dawson (22), Liam Garecht (17), Nolan Given (30), Jonah Greenstein (5), Nicholas Haag (8), Miles Hassinger (6), Sean Heck (42).

Also, Alex Heinzel (25), Grant Kivler (7), Matthew McLaughlin (9), Connor O’Kane (14), Gray Richardson (2), Lane Siegel (13), Marco Silvia (33), Mason Vail (16), Daniel Webster (26).

Assistant Coach Chad O’Kane summarizes, “This was a special team. The season had its ups and downs, but these kids stuck together, supported each other, and found ways to get better every game.

“Every player on the squad contributed to this season, and I’m so proud of how they played for each other and finished as state champions.”

Assistant Coach Jeff Given elaborates, “Having coached many of these players for a number of years, I am so very proud and excited about their accomplishment in bringing home a State Title for the community, since the years of hard work and dedication have paid off for these young men.

“These young men have become such a talented group both on and off the field and represent their families so very well.

“They trusted in each other and the guidance the coaches provided to them.

“A huge thanks to all the parents and families for the sacrifices they went through to get players available on a moment’s notice and cheering the loudest even without being allowed their trusty cowbells.

“We are all very proud to be a part of this opportunity and looking forward to seeing what more they will accomplish in the future.”