Eli Gemmill is just 4 years old and he's already won a baseball championship ring.

Eli, of York Township, received the same type of 2011 Atlantic League championship ring each York Revolution player was given Tuesday.

The Revs' ring ceremony was held prior to the team's opening home game for the 2012 season.

Eli and his father, Eric Gemmill, 35, were among the first 1,000 fans to receive a scratch-off card listing a championship ring prize.

Gemmill said he scratched off the card but didn't know for sure whether he had the actual winning ring card until he asked a team official. After learning that he had the winning card, Gemmill and Eli received the ring together. Gemmill said he will hold onto the ring for Eli.

Surrounded by York area teams that have captured championships this past year two-time Atlantic League champions York Revolution enter Sovereign Bank Stadium for their first home game of the season. (John A. Pavoncello) MORE PHOTOS
"I think it's pretty cool, awesome," Gemmill said. "We came out early like we always do, especially with this being the opener and Eli being so excited about it. To win this (ring) makes it more exciting for us."

Several thousand fans of summer showed up for the Revs' first home game of the year at Sovereign Bank Stadium in downtown York. The team played the Camden Riversharks from New Jersey. Camden won 5-0.

On game day, fans lined up ready to see their home team in action. Many people wore Revs caps and T-shirts, including Patrick Farrell, 10, of Loganville. He also had a catcher's mitt. His cap had several Revs players signatures on it.

"I just like getting out to the games and sometimes (catching) a ball," Patrick said. "I was at the opening last year. It was different since they got their rings and stuff. They get rings (Tuesday). They're pretty good."

Opening day also featured a parade of champions, where local high school and college teams of various sports - including swimming, basketball, soccer and wrestling - were recognized for their triumphant 2011 seasons.

The first pitch of the day was thrown by well-known Special Olympics athlete Loretta Claiborne of York, who had a local building named for her and a television movie made about her life.

The fans saved their loudest cheers and longest standing ovations for the Revs players as they entered the field and were introduced before receiving their 2011 championship rings. The team also won the league championship in 2010.

Chris Kelly, 40, and his neighbor Adam Cook, 20, both of Springettsbury Township, said they are looking for the Revs to "three-peat" as league champions this season.

"I think they'll win again with their pitching and by staying healthy," Kelly said. "And I think the fans are their key to success."

Mike Heffner, 46, of Red Lion, said he believes the Revs can win a third championship in a row. He said opening day was a little different for him than any other game day because of the championship celebration activities.

"But coming out to the games, it's just a good time regardless of the day," he said.

-Reach Eyana Adah McMillan at 505-5438 or emcmillan@yorkdispatch.com.