American Legion Baseball organizing for new season – The Madison Record
MADISON – Two age groups can now register to compete in Alabama American Legion Baseball and play for teams affiliated with the Madison American Legion, Post 229.
“It’s that time of year when the crack (ping) of the bat and the smack of the baseball hitting leather can be heard across town. Madison American Legion, Post 229 is fielding teams to play American Legion baseball again this year,” said Bobby E. Lee Jr. Lee serves as Post 229’s baseball liaison.
To register, visit the Alabama American Legion Baseball website, alabamaamericanlegionbaseball.com, and register for the Madison team.
Madison American Legion field teams in the varsity division (high school age) and the 19U division (for recent high school seniors and freshmen). “Last year the varsity team came third in the state,” Lee said.
American Legion Baseball is a competitive, not-for-profit league made up primarily of high school ball players who wish to compete for post-season school baseball. Unlike traveling and show baseball, however, all coaches with American Legion baseball are screened through a criminal background check, Lee said
“Teams registered with the American Legion have liability and supplemental medical insurance, as well as access to free, robust software to track rosters, pitcher pitch counts, team wins and losses,” Lee said. “We’re working with teams to develop their game plans against other American Legion teams in the region.”
American Legion Baseball costs a fraction of what it costs to play travel baseball in the summer, Lee said. The cost for last year’s teams was less than $400 per player. “Our focus is on basic civics, sportsmanship and Americanism while playing our national game,” Lee said. “We strengthen respect for our flag, our rights and privileges as citizens of this great nation, and respect for those who pay the price of freedom.”
Before each game, team officials play the “national anthem” and encourage Legionnaires and other veterans to wear Legion or service caps and speak to players and parents to encourage them to be responsible citizens, Lee said.
American Legion Baseball is one of the oldest amateur sports leagues with a long history, Lee said. The league strives to offer a good mix of flexible schedules and good competition. Teams play regular season and tournament games in Alabama. Birmingham was the longest trip the Madison team has undertaken in 2021-2022.
The season of the university division ends with the state tournament. The 19U team can continue in the regional and American Legion World Series.
Visit alabamaamericanlegionbaseball.com for more information.
