Since its beginning in 1925, thousands of baseball players have enjoyed the competition in The American Legion program. Fifty-Three former players are enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
During the 2010 baseball season, The American Legion sponsored 4,500 baseball teams, with 95,000 players and 15,000 coaches.
The American Legion National Americanism Commission annual awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving players.
The American Legion baseball program is a ripe training ground for future college and professional players. More than 70 percent of college players have experience in Legion baseball. On the professional baseball scene, more than 50 percent played Legion baseball.
Major League Baseball recognizes the quality of play and players in The American Legion baseball program and honors the national championship team at the Major League World Series. The National Baseball Hall of Fame also recognizes the American Legion Player of the year annually at the Hall of Fame game in Cooperstown, NY.
The annual American Legion Baseball National Tournament highlights the best young talent each season. State champions advance to one of eight regional tournaments. Regional champions advance to the finals – The American Legion World Series.
The American Legion Baseball program is the only youth baseball program that pays 100 percent of all the teams’ expense that participates at a national tournament. These expenses include transportation, meals, hotels, umpires, baseballs etc.
History reveals The American Legion baseball program provides young players a thorough understanding of sportsmanship, teamwork, and good citizenship – valued traits for America’s future leaders.