Legion Baseball

[JM15]

These last few days, I have witnessed some great baseball at the State Championship in Garner. The talent level has been great and the heat has been even greater. But more than anything, I have seen what Legion Baseball really is. This game is played for the men and women who served our country and protect our freedom. It's not played for money or the name on the back of their jersey. There are Legionaire's at the ballpark, some with disabilities resulting from military injuries, battling the heat just to watch these young men play a game they love. During each game at the 7th inning stretch, we've played "God Bless America" and you could hear a pin drop on that ballfield. To tell you the truth, it sends chills through your body. This tournament has two days left which will be extremely competitive. I would just like to commend the Area III and Area IV teams. In the Raleigh/Area I area, Legion ball is fading. We had 22 teams around here just a couple years ago... next summer we will have 7. Legion ball is alive and well in the western part of the State and when those teams take the field, a different atmosphere surrounds the ballpark.

Thanks to all those who served our country and are still fighting for our freedom today.

And thank you to all those ballplayers who respect the game of baseball and the American Legion.

Legion Baseball IS Summertime.

What can we do in the Eastern half of the state to bring it back?

[RaleighDevil]

You can blame that on the control freaks in the Triangle. AKA HS coaches. Our part of Area One is fine.

[tj21]

JM15, you have done a great job this week in Garner. Btw, I started a thread about midway thru the regular season that was a national article showing that the number of legion teams had actually INCREASED nationwide. Pennsylvania had the most teams.

[homeplate]

no doubt legion baseball is alive and well i beleive the showcasers are finding this out it is ashame some of the good players have wasted hard earn money and time on the showcases when they could have been playing legion baseball.

[tj21]

In all fairness to some who choose "other avenues",,, as JM15 stated Legion baseball simply isn't supported well in all communities, and thats a shame. But for that reason, I don't blame folks for playing where they can.

But theres no doubt for the legion communities who do indeed support their legion teams, there is no better place for a young player to spend his final amatuer years playing with his buds representing your community against out-a-towners. And clearly as you have seen some of it in Garner this week, some of the rivalries are just great.

[LegionPost46]

jm i thought you guys did a fine job with the tournament. i wish you'd have turned on the a/c on wednesday and thursday. hope the championship day provides the excitement that we experienced last year. would have loved to made it that far again, but we were out played in two straight games.

[JM15]

thanks. wish the weather wasn't so hot but hey, that's out of our hands. you guys have a great program down there but just didn't bring it this weekend. happens to the best of us.

good luck next summer.

[heelsrule]

You can't beat playing with your best buddies and guys you have grown up with. Some of the best friends I have in this world today are guys that I played legion with years ago. I know they have my back and are there whenever I need them. And to go along with that you are playing for community. The feeling is awesome, and I was lucky enough to win a state championship. One of the best moments of my life. Legion baseball is alive!

[Braves]

Great thread, Jere. It's what AL is all about

[Baseball Cat]

What a great country we live in. Just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed reading all the post about Legion baseball this summer. Our Legion team was lucky enough to have a recent team dinner at our local Legion Post. It was heart-warming to see the Legion members there serving our players and their families. These old-timers are quickly dying out. We should remember to thank these older men and women for all the great contributions they have made to this country. God Bless, America!!!

[Carolina Man]

What a great country we live in. Just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed reading all the post about Legion baseball this summer. Our Legion team was lucky enough to have a recent team dinner at our local Legion Post. It was heart-warming to see the Legion members there serving our players and their families. These old-timers are quickly dying out. We should remember to thank these older men and women for all the great contributions they have made to this country. God Bless, America!!!

You are exactly right, I believe I will do just that tomorrow. My 86 year old father server in the South Pacific during WWII ( Navy ) and My brother served in Vietnam ( Marines ) and another brother was in the Marines but not during War time, Uncle in the Navy during WWII and a Nephew in the Marines but not War time. Military is huge in my family. God Bless them all

Carolina Man