American Legion Baseball

With an alumni base that includes more than half of current Major League Baseball players, American Legion Baseball is one of the most prominent and tradition-rich amateur athletic leagues in existence.

The program is always growing, and participation is easy.

About 3,500 teams compete each year, so there’s ample opportunity for new players to join, and for coaches who want to start a team. The league also employs a large number of umpires and other volunteers.

Contact Fred or George @ The American Legion Post 474.

Players who are cut from a team, or try out but don't make the roster, can play for the post that is the next-shortest driving distance from their residence. If a player doesn't make that team, he can try out with the next-closest post. He can continue until he finds a team to join. Look for the address and phone number in the local White Pages or at www.legion.org/baseball. Click on "Find a Post" and fill in your city, state and ZIP code. 

Fox News recently published an article profiling Major John Griffith, a World War I veteran and a national figure in college sports administration. He is credited with inspiring the creation of American Legion Baseball, the oldest organized youth baseball league in the U.S. which was founded 98 years ago. Griffith, who served as the first commissioner of what is now known as the Big Ten, viewed sports as a solution to improve physical fitness and promote good citizenship among the nation’s youth. About 100,000 teenagers play American Legion Baseball each summer. Notably, the league has produced 82 players who have gone on to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The patriotic organization, American Legion, was the perfect partner to carry out Griffith’s vision. Its members embraced his call for stronger, more competitive youth in America.