American Legion Baseball underway with 5 teams

MADISON – Baseball has returned to the City of Madison this summer for boys of high school age.

American Legion, Post 229 in Madison is sponsoring five teams this year. The Mambas and Mayhem teams have U-19 players. The varsity teams are Missiles and Jets. The Mavericks is a JV team.

“Teams are made up of players primarily from Madison City Schools,” Jean Downs said. Downs serves as American Auxiliary Unit President in Madison, along with Post 229 Historian and Communications Director.

“Play has already begun for the teams, which will culminate in an end-of-year tournament at the end of July,” Downs said. Teams will play home games at fields at James Clemens and Bob Jones high schools.

The American Legion has sponsored baseball in the State of Alabama since 1928 with a mission to promote citizenship through sportsmanship. American Legion, Post 229’s mission is to foster Americanism and patriotism in the community — particularly with youth.

The annual tradition of American Legion baseball fosters that mission, Post 229 Commander Larry Vannoy said. “As part of every American Legion sponsored game, a veteran of our armed services is honored by throwing out the first pitch.”

“We feel it is important to not only honor our veterans but to highlight their contributions to our nation to the young men on the field before each game,” Vannoy said.

Teams will play numerous games throughout the summer, including these remaining games in June:

* June 20, Helena Sports Complex – Madison Missiles vs. Shelby County JV, Post 555, noon to 2 p.m., 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Madison Mayhem, Post 555 19U, 5 to 7 p.m., 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

* June 20, Leeds High School – Madison Mavericks vs. Leeds JV, Post 107, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Madison Mavericks vs. HYT Baseball, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

* June 21, Bob Jones High School – Madison Mambas vs. Braves Sr., Post 133, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., 4 to 6 p.m.

* June 22, James Clemens High School – Madison Jets 1 vs. Golden Eagles, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

* June 22, New Hope High School – Madison Missiles, Huntsville Post 237, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 8 to 10 p.m.

* June 23, James Clemens – Madison Mavericks vs. Madison Missiles, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 8 to 10 p.m.

* June 23, Athens High School – Madison Mayhem vs. Golden Eagles, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

* June 25, Bob Jones – Madison Mavericks vs. Hartselle, Post 52, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 8 to 10 p.m.

* June 25, James Clemens – Madison Missiles vs. Hartselle, Post 52, 5 to 7 p.m., 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

* June 25, New Hope High School – Madison Mayhem vs. Huntsville, Post 237, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 8 to 10 p.m.

* June 26, Leeds High School – Madison Mayhem vs. Leeds, Post 107, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 8 to 10 p.m.

* June 27, Bob Jones – Madison City Mambas vs. Post 555, 19U, noon to 2 p.m., 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

* June 27, Haleyville High School – Madison Missiles vs. Haleyville, Post 33, 1 to 3 p.m., 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

* June 27, Tuscaloosa Academy – Madison Mavericks vs. Tuscaloosa, Post 34 JV, 1 to 3 p.m., 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

* June 29, Athens High School – Madison Missiles vs. Golden Eagles, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

* June 29, James Clemens – Jets 1, Post 229 vs. Hartselle, Post 52, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 8 to 10 p.m.

* June 29, New Hope High School – Madison Mayhem vs. Huntsville, Post 237, 5 to 7 p.m., 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

* June 29, Russellville – Madison Mavericks vs. Post 64, JV, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

* June 30, Bob Jones – Madison Mavericks vs. Huntsville Hooks, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 8 to 10 p.m.

“Come out and enjoy some baseball, and cheer on our Madison City teams,” Downs said.

For schedules and facility details, visit alabamaamericanlegionbaseball.com.