Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford proudly waved his hand in the air with four fingers raised. “That’s four World Series Championships,” he told the crowd gathered at the Troy Recreation Center. “To think about small town America having four World Series Championships, that humbles you.”

When the Troy Junior Dixie Boys won the World Series on Thursday in Enterprise, they did more than simply bring home another title and trophy for Troy.

They continued a legacy and tradition of winning that runs deep in Troy and, moreover, they solidified the mission of the investment the city leaders continue to make in the youth of our community by funding the extensive parks and recreation department programs.

Throughout the impromptu ceremony on Thursday, speakers reiterated a common theme – Troy’s commitment to youth recreation and sports and how exceptional that commitment is for a community this size.

We agree. And it is one of the wisest investments our community leaders can make. Although, we suspect they already knew that. Recreation sports involves youth, parents, grandparents, family members, volunteer coaches, even the community – a quick glance in the stands this week was enough to affirm that even if you didn’t have to have a child on the team to want to support to Troy in the World Series. The programs – when run properly and well coached – teach valuable lessons about sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, respect and the value of hard work. There’s no doubt this team was well-coached, by an exceptional group of men led by Sam Kitchens.

And, youth sports have the ability to rally our spirits and our community in way that few other things do.

So we, too, are thrilled for these young men and their success. We congratulate them for winning the World Series and, more important, for being able to say they can bring that trophy home to Troy.

They’re continuing the tradition and setting the example for future generations.