Watch Legion alums Leyland, Mauer join Hall of Fame

Jim Leyland and Joe Mauer will become the newest American Legion Baseball alumni enshrined in Cooperstown when the Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is inducted July 21.

Leyland and Mauer will bring the total number of former Legion Baseball players in the Hall of Fame to 87. Leyland played for Post 183 in Pemberville, Ohio, while Mauer played for Post 606 in St. Paul, Minn.

The induction ceremony for the Class of 2024, which also includes Adrian Beltre and Todd Helton, will begin at 1:30 p.m. ET Sunday. The event will air live on MLB Network and stream on MLB.com.

Mauer became just the third catcher to be selected to the Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot, joining Johnny Bench and Ivan Rodriguez. They played Legion Baseball as well — Bench in Anadarko, Okla., and Rodriguez for Post Vega Baja in Puerto Rico.

Mauer spent his entire 15-year career with the Minnesota Twins, winning batting titles in 2006, 2008 and 2009. He was also American League MVP in 2009.

Mauer becomes the third player with ties to Post 606 to reach the Baseball Hall of Fame, joining Paul Molitor and Dave Winfield.

Leyland won 1,769 games in 22 seasons as a manager with the Pirates, Marlins, Rockies and Tigers, winning the 1997 World Series in the Marlins’ fifth year of existence. He also managed Team USA to the 2017 World Baseball Classic title — four years after retiring from major league managing. Leyland was a three-time Manager of the Year, with Pittsburgh in 1990 and 1992 and with Detroit in 2006.