For the second time in the 100-year history of American Legion baseball, Fall River is Massachusetts senior champion
'These kids have got guts,' Fall River coach Sean Travis said. 'This is the fourth year we've gotten to the state tournament, and we've had some great teams. Just every year we got a little closer.'
Fall River Post 464 manager Sean Travis (center) celebrates with players Jeyden Espinal (left) and Matt Almeida (right) after beating Shrewsbury for the state crown.
Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe
Both Fall River and Shrewsbury advance to the Region One Tournament beginning Aug. 6 at Worcester's Fitton Field, with Shrewsbury Post 497 earning an automatic bid as the host team.
Tournament MVP Matt Almeida (Diman) tossed six strong innings with four strikeouts and reached base four times, driving in a run and scoring one. Jeyden Espinal, a 2024 Durfee graduate, swatted Post 464 into the lead with a two-run single to center before closing out the game on the mound.
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For a group that has built camaraderie over the years, being able to finally break through into the regional tournament was a sweet reward.
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'It's just so fun, being around these guys is the best,' Almeida said. 'It's all fun and games, but when we're on the field it's all business.'
FINAL: Fall River Post 464 6, Shrewsbury Post 397 4
After overcoming an early 3-0 deficit, Fall River is the Massachusetts American Legion state champion.
They'll represent the state in the Region One tournament beginning Wednesday.
— Mike Puzzanghera (@mpuzzanghera)
American Legion baseball began in 1925, initially to keep people in shape but also to mentor young people. In that time, it's maintained its creed and grown.
'It really is something to behold,' said Dick Paster, the Massachusetts American Legion baseball committee chairman. 'It's an opportunity for kids to play without paying travel ball fees … There's a lot of guys that have played baseball at high levels that are coaching, and it's a labor of love.'
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For Fall River, it's an opportunity for the city to band together. With four high schools — Durfee High, Diman Vocational, Atlantis Charter, and Argosy Charter, plus Bishop Stang down the road in Dartmouth — its no guarantee that kids who grew up playing together can stay teammates in high school.
But Legion baseball gives those kids the opportunity to once again share the field with their neighbors.
'Some of these kids have been playing for our organization since they were 4, 5 , 6 years old,' Travis said. 'That's what makes it great. I keep on telling them, you're making memories with these kids who are like family.'
Fall River's Matt Almeida scored the go-ahead run in the fourth inning.
Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe
The Region One tourney pits the champions from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York against each other.
If the current trend is any indication, expect heavy support for Fall River.
'It's unbelievable,' Travis said. 'These parents are crying, its special. It's not like winning a weekend tournament. You've got to advance, advance, advance.'
Fall River manager Sean Travis was ecstatic after the win.
Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe
Shrewsbury's Ryan Iagallo slides home ahead of the throw for a run in the fourth inning.
Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe
Shrewsbury's Ryan Iagallo (correctly) calls himself safe at home as Fall River catcher Tanyon Reis hopefully holds up the ball in the fourth inning.
Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe
Fall River's Jeyden Espinal seals the win for Post 464 on the mound in the seventh inning.
Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe
Fall River Post 464 manager Sean Travis gets an ice-water bath during the postgame celebration.
Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe
Fall River's Matt Almeida pitches to Shrewsbury was named tournament MVP after earning the win in the final.
Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe
Fall River manager Sean Travis hugs players Jeyden Espina (left) and Matt Almeida (right).
Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe
Quincy, MA — 07/30/2025 - Fall River Post 464 manager Sean Travis, right, high-fives his players after a 6-4 win over Shewsbury for the American Legion baseball state championship game at Adams Field in Quincy on Wednesday July 30, 2025. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe
Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe
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