American Legion Baseball Registration cut-off date for the 2022 season was 1 January 2022.
- Post 229 registration season closes on 15 May 2022. Baseball season begins on 1 Jun 2022.
Information on Post 229 Tryouts will be available soon. Post 229's Baseball Season Registration closes on 15 May and the Baseball Season begins on 1 Jun 2022. Note: This year the Junior Varsity and Varsity State Tournament will be held in Madison, AL, 15-17 Jul 2022 - tentatively at James Clemens HS.
Parents and Players,
This is Larry Vannoy, American Legion Madison County and Madison Post 229 Commander. Please take a minute to read this letter about American Legion Baseball.
Madison American Legion Post 229 is sponsoring American Legion Baseball again this year in the Madison County area. Three years ago, we had two teams, last year we sponsored five. In 2021, 6 teams competed. I fully anticipate the number of county teams to grow again this year.
We have secured Bob Jones and James Clements ball fields in 2021 and I am confident other school ball fields will be available should we need them. Our high school coaches are huge advocates because of the competitive, less expensive option. Player fees range about $250 - $300, significantly less than the traditional travel team. Most games are played against other legion community teams but are not required to do so. Seldom do teams require overnight stays, unless your team plans to play in out-of-area multi-day tournaments. Fees include supplemental medical insurance, team liability insurance, coach criminal background checks, a uniform, and all ball play fees. We are also seeking team sponsors that could significantly reduce the cost to play. Teams can also play tournaments outside the legion should they as you would see in a traditional travel team. American Legion Baseball is a competitive program. Players come in as part of a school team, pre-formed prior travel teams or individual players wanting to join a team.
The Baseball program offers opportunities in three age divisions: Junior Varsity, Varsity and 19U for state championships. The 19U division state champion can advance to Regional tournament and possibly the American Legion World Series. The 19U State Baseball Tournament is schduled for 22-24 Jul 2022.
The Junior Varsity division is designed for the rising 9th and 10th graders, however, we will accept players that are not moving into the 9th grade as long as they turn 13 sometime this year. The Varsity division is open for all players with at least one remaining season of High School athletic eligibility. The 19U (Senior Division) division is designed for recent high school graduates and younger players with a possibility that some prior year graduated players may be eligible.
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.
The program is always growing, and participation is easy so there’s ample opportunity for new players to join, for coaches who want to start a team, for umpires, and for individuals or groups interested in volunteering.
American Legion Baseball has a long history in Alabama. The league strives to provide a good mix of flexible schedules and good competition. The season typically begins after the academic school year ends which is near the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The state tournament is normally held in mid-July. The season offers both full and part time play. The program has league focused teams, tournament teams and hybrid organizations.
Regular season and tournament games are held within the State of Alabama. The American Legion is run as a not for profit league with the goal of improving our young people within a positive, competitive environment while preparing our players for high school and collegiate level play.
The American Legion observed a January 1st cut-off date. Thirteen (13) year olds are the youngest players in American Legion Baseball with a date of birth in 2009.
For more information about American Legion Baseball in Alabama visit the web site http://alabamaamericanlegionbaseball.com. At this web site teams, individual players and coaches can enroll.
For information about the Madison American Legion Post 229 teams, visit http://americanlegionpost229.org/index.php?id=141.
For general information about American Legion Baseball: https://www.legion.org/baseball
Or call: Commander Larry Vannoy, 256-258-8534, commander@americanlegionpost229.org
Help us grow the American Legion Baseball Program in North Alabama!
Larry