American Legion tryouts to fill baseball teams
MADISON – In a community outreach effort, Madison American Legion, Post 229 wants to sponsor one or more baseball teams in the Madison area.
“Depending on player interest, availability of coaches and ball fields, we hope to have a team in each of the three age categories that the American Legion has defined,” Post Commander Larry Vannoy said.
Team tryouts will be held May 5 at 2 p.m. on the baseball field at James Clemens High School, 11306 County Line Road. Rain date will be May 7 at 6 p.m.
“American Legion Baseball has 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,” Vannoy said.
This baseball program offers opportunities in three age divisions for state championships:
* Varsity — Open to all players with at least one remaining season of athletic eligibility in high school.
* Junior Varsity — Designed for rising tenth-graders (sophomores) and younger players.
* 19U or Senior Division — Intended for recent high school graduates and younger players. Players who graduated in a previous year possibly may be eligible. State champions in 19U can advance to regional tournament and possibly the American Legion World Series.
The first cut-off date will be in January 2020. Thirteen-year-olds with a birthdate in 2006 are the youngest players in American Legion Baseball.
“The program is always growing and participation is easy. An ample opportunity exists for new players to join, for coaches who want to start a team, for umpires and for individuals or groups interested in volunteering,” Vannoy said.
“American Legion Baseball has a long history in Alabama. The league strives to provide a good mix of flexible schedules and good competition,” Vannoy said. The season offers both full and part-time play. The program has league-focused teams, tournament teams and hybrid organizations.
For more information, call Vannoy at 256-468-8400 or visit alabamaamericanlegionbaseball.com.
For information about the teams, call Steve Dixon at 240-527-4832 or email ductedrocket@gmail.com. For Legion Post 229 team tryouts, email commander@americanlegionpost229.org or visit americanlegionpost229.org and select the “Baseball” tab.
