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FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Alabama American Legion is planning to have a robust baseball season, with Matthew Blount Post 555 in Shelby County planning to have teams in the Junior Varsity, Varsity and 19U divisions in 2025.

“We have a fantastic summer baseball program for our community,” said Bill Blank, post commander. “This is the tenth year of American Legion baseball for our post. The opening day for our teams will be Saturday, June 7. The Varsity and Junior Varsity state tournament will be hosted in Shelby County the weekend of Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13.”

American Legion baseball costs a fraction of the expense to play summer travel baseball. The league is focused on basic civics, sportsmanship and Americanism while playing America’s pastime.

American Legion baseball is a competitive program primarily comprised of high school ball players seeking to compete after the school baseball season ends. However, unlike travel and showcase baseball, all American Legion baseball coaches are vetted by a criminal background check. American Legion registered teams come with liability and supplemental medical insurance as well as access to a free robust software program to track player rosters, pitch counts, teams wins and losses. The American Legion works with teams to develop their play schedules against other area American Legion teams.

American Legion teams play primarily in the state of Alabama. The opportunity for extended families to watch their loved ones play baseball is a benefit to both fans and Legion players alike. Registration is available online at Allegionball.com.

The divisions and eligibility requirements are listed below, all reflecting the 2024-25 academic year:

– Junior Varsity Division: Ninth grade and below players

– Varsity Division: 11th grade and below players

– 19U Division: High school graduates born in 2006 and younger players