By Jim Lockwood
Staff Writer

The program's history of success means it always deserves consideration when talking about which New Hampshire Legion baseball teams could take the state title.

Such is life for the players of Sweeney Post.

Sweeney Post head coach Paul Lemire of Hooksett does exactly what he expects his players to do during the club's state tourney-opening win against Hudson: Stay focused on the game. (Jim Lockwood Photo)

This summer, Sweeney's storyline had been very much the same, with the club finding itself in extremely familiar territory.

The defending state champions went 20-0 during the regular season and won the District A title. The feat earned Sweeney a top seed in the 2005 tournament.

But talk to the players and they'll be the first to admit they were aware every opponent was salivating to land the champs on the short end of a final score.

"When you win 26 state championships, you always have a target on your back," said Devin Shane of Bedford, whose club was dethroned after two losses.

Sweeney head coach Paul Lemire of Hooksett said his team relished the role of Legion heavyweight. Furthermore, his players performed well under the pressure.

Of course, these guys also own plenty of experience dealing with it.

Sweeney prided itself on the number of experienced athletes that made up the '05 roster. For the past three summers, these veterans to the American Legion baseball scene participated in seasons similar to this one.

Nick Koravos of Auburn, as well as Manchester's Kris Monohan and Josh Moore, were with the team as 16-year-olds three seasons ago when Sweeney advanced to the American Legion Baseball World Series.

This year, they were in their final year of eligibility and wanted another championship to close out their solid careers.

Even those who hadn't been with the team as long were familiar with Sweeney's success.

Last year, Sweeney defeated Booma Post to win the state title. In '03, the club lost to Jutras Post, Sweeney's Queen City rival.

Lemire said the way his players handled pressure was to approach every game - regardless of score - like a crown was up for grabs.

In the opening game of the state tournament against Hudson at Gill Stadium on Saturday, July 30, Lemire's club tried to make the Hudson pitcher fire a lot of pitches to tire him out.

According to Lemire, Hudson's hurler had a pitch count in the mid to upper 90s by the sixth inning.

Shane said the biggest reason behind Sweeney's successful stretch was simple: The players remained focused on every play during every game.

It turned out both strategies were beneficial. Sweeney scored in all but two innings en route to a 10-0 mercy rule-win.