Franklinton High School alumus and Mayor of Franklinton Greg Route, Sr. threw out the ceremonial first pitch on Thursday, February 23 at Franklinton High School’s Demon Diamond.
He attended Washington Parish High School and graduated from Franklinton High School in 1970, lettering in football and band.
Mayor Route was referee and umpire for 25 years and former coach of several little league baseball teams including The Route Express as well as sponsor of a youth basketball team. He provided play-by-play radio commentary of Demon football games for eight years alongside Damon Smith and is a faithful member of Sweet Rest Missionary Baptist Church where he serves on the Deacon Board.
Mayor Route began his close association with Demon Baseball in 1995 when his son Greg Jr became part of the team. A first baseman, Greg Jr. graduated in 1998 and still holds the team record with the longest hitting streak at 22 games. Greg Jr. went on to play baseball for the Grambling State Tigers.
The mayor and his wife are also parents of Pharion, a former FHS cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. .
Coach Jeff Tageant said, "Demon baseball and the FHS family are honored to have Mayor Route here to start this contest. He has always shown great support of Franklinton High School and Demon Baseball." Mayor Route’s first pitch was caught by #3 Rickken Burkhalter. The Demons then beat Hammond High Magnet 4-3 in 10 innings.
