Residents of Toronto take great pride in all aspects of their community.

From the gazebo that’s the centerpiece of downtown, to the flags that proudly display the names and faces of those from the city who have served in the military, to the annual Fourth of July fireworks display to the new school building — which already is undergoing an expansion project — to the willingness to come together to help in times of need, there’s much to be positive about.

That list grew on Sunday, when the Toronto High School baseball team defeated Hillsdale 3-1 to capture the Ohio Division IV state championship.

The win, which was earned in Akron’s Canal Park, was the team’s 16th victory in a row and capped a memorable season which ended with a 28-5 record. It was the second state baseball title for the school, the first one having come in 1998.

It was fitting that the winning pitcher in the contest was Nate Karaffa, an Ohio State recruit who will be remembered as being among the best athletes the school has ever produced. He was among a senior class that included Nick Sninchak, Nick Chetock, Kobe Herrick, Jory Clapham and Carson Meek, players whose leadership helped to make the season one that will be remembered by their teammates, the community and the school for many years to come.

That list includes Brian Perkins, the team’s longtime head coach who is considered to be among the top baseball mentors in our region.

He’s earned numerous honors during his career and was an assistant coach with the school’s 1998 title team.

“I’ve been preaching all year that you don’t win without good kids and good leadership, and this group will always be a special group of seniors for me,” Perkins said after Sunday’s win.

This year’s Toronto High School baseball team was indeed special, and its players, Perkins and everyone associated with the program deserve congratulations for bringing the state title home to the Gem City.