Sports

A Sea of Par-Troy East Red Rolls into Williamsport

Three buses of Parsippany residents descended upon the Little League World Series to cheer on their All-Stars.

The hometown feeling was strong as 132 Parsippany residents, most clad in bright red T-shirts honoring the All-Stars, boarded buses at Friday morning.

Their destination: Williamsport, Pa., where the All-Stars will play their first game in the against San Antonio, Texas.

Before the approximately three-hour journey began, Mayor James Barberio and his wife Brenda Barberio, also clad in PTLLE red, wished good luck and safe travels to those riding the buses.

Find out what's happening in Parsippanywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I have a meeting, so I can't go," said the mayor, who said he will try to come over the weekend, and then shared a joke. "Can mayors play hooky?"

Among those who did endure the bus ride along Interstate 80: PTLLE President John Bucciarelli, Player Agent Eric Hubner, Councilman Michael dePierro, Council candidate Jonathan Nelson and Sons of Italy President Joseph Jannarone.

Find out what's happening in Parsippanywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The buses were provided at cost to the Par-Troy East Little League by Aristocrat Bus and Limo. Passengers paid only $20 for round trip transport between Parsippany and Williamsport.

Trip coordinator Angela LaCapria announced that every person who reserved a seat on one of the three buses actually showed up for the journey.

Nick Limanov, a senior who volunteers with Parsippany Emergency Management Services, said it's easy to see why people are so passionate about the Par-Troy East All-Stars.

"We're here to support our community and our team," he said. "You gotta do it!"

The game between Parsippany and San Antonio begins at 3 p.m. from Lamade Stadium, a gorgeous facility covered in photos of young All-Stars.

The Par-Troy boys were spotted preparing for their matchup with the Texas team.

Many red-clad Parsippanians will watch the game from here. You can do so via ESPN or ESPN.com.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here