Since 1925, The American Legion has sponsored a nationwide
youth baseball program.  During these past eight decades, millions
of young players have enjoyed playing baseball.  The American Legion
and their 2.8 million members have raised millions of dollars each
year for players to learn the importance of teamwork, discipline,
leadership and good sportsmanship.  The American Legion sponsors
American Legion Baseball to give players an opportunity to develop
their skills, personal fitness, leadership qualities and to have fun.

I will:
Keep the Rules; Keep Faith with
my teammates; Keep my temper;
Keep myself fit;
Keep a Stout heart in defeat;
Keep my pride under in victory;
Keep a sound soul; A clean mind;
And a Healthy body

AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL

For the past 83 years The American Legion has sponsored American Legion Baseball. It all started on July 17, 1925 in Milbank, South Dakota. Baseball is one of the most visible programs of The American Legion. The first National Tournament was held in 1926 with 16 states participating. Three years later every state in the nation entered a team in the national play-off. Legion Baseball gives each player an opportunity to develop personal fitness, skills and leadership qualities. Teamwork, discipline and leadership are the trademark of American Legion Baseball.

Today over 80% of all college baseball players and over 50% of all major league players have a history of playing American Legion Baseball. The majority of those participating in legion baseball are offered college scholarships or major league contracts when they age out of legion Baseball program. It is recognized as a valuable source for talented players.

The cost for legion baseball is great. When a team advances to the regional or higher, our National Organization covers the cost. Each year there are eight regional play-offs costing over $1,000,000 in transportation, meals and lodging. These costs are covered partly by Game fees, Major League contributions and a grant by The American Legion Life Insurance fund. In 1998 The American Legion established a National Baseball Scholarship fund with a $1,000 scholarship going to each Department annually. Over 50 former Legion baseball players’ names are inscribed in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

Post #10 has participated in The American Legion Baseball program for the past 82 years. The base team for Post #10 is New Hanover High School. When Laney was built Post #10 started drafting players from their program. Other players that have played for Post #10 through the years have participated in Private High Schools in the area. At one Time post #10 had two teams. Winter Park Legion Baseball that was funded entirely by Wilmington Optimistic played under the Post #10 Charter.

Through the years Post #10 has had a very successful baseball program. Post #10 has won the State Championship and advanced to the regional 8 times (1956, ’59, ’60, ’62, ’70, ’80, ’94, ’95). Post #10 has advanced to the National World Series one time.

Post #10 has an independent committee that runs the baseball program. They raise their own funds to support the team. In the past the public has been very generous in supporting the program. Most funds are raised by individual contributions from post members and the general public. The committee needs the support of Post members and the general public. Post #10 Baseball is a local program that is provided for the local youth of our community.

Harold G Davis
1994 Hall of Fame Inductee