Michigan makes welcome return to American Legion World Series
Midland (Mich.) Post 165 has been such a frequent visitor to the American Legion World Series in Shelby, N.C., its team and coaches are on Christmas card lists with many in their host organization and they look at mid-August as an annual reunion with that family.
That’s exactly why Midland, which is making its ninth ALWS appearance in Shelby, was so motivated to return after a heartbreaking loss in the 2023 Great Lakes Regional championship game.
“Last year was a little bit bittersweet,” said Midland coach Dan Cronkright, in his fourth year as head coach after more than 20 years as an assistant coach in the program. “We lost in the regional finals. And we had the lead the last inning and walked in a runner with the bases loaded.
“But before we left the field last year, we had kids saying, ‘We’re coming back next year!’”
In rolling to a Michigan state title and its 10th Great Lakes Regional title in the last 16 years, the only blemish was a winner’s bracket final loss to Evansville (Ind.) Post 265 in the Great Lakes Regional played in Carol Stream, Ill.
In each of its five regional victories, Post 165 won by two or more runs as it defeated Lancaster (Ohio) Post 11, 3-1 and 7-1; Eau Claire (Wis.) Post 53, 8-2 and 7-1; and Evansville 6-3 in the finals to avenge the 5-1 loss.
Cayden Smith took MVP honors in the regional tournament for Midland, which has a youthful but experienced team with 11 high school seniors on its roster.
Midland, which won the 2009 ALWS title, has been far and away the most regular visitor to Shelby, which is hosting its 14th ALWS since 2008. Three of its players — Chad Brown, Lane Kloha and Luke LaCourse — are back from the 2022 team that finished tied for third in the ALWS after losing in the semifinals to eventual ALWS champion Troy (Ala.) Post 70.
In 2014, Midland had its best Shelby finish when it was runner-up to Brooklawn (N.J.) Post 72.
“It’s a good group of players,” Cronkright said of this year’s team. “They’re very seasoned. And it’s fantastic to be back. The hospitality down here is great.”
Midland Post 165's pool play schedule (all times ET):
Aug. 15: vs. Bossier City (La.) Post 202, 1 p.m.
Aug. 17: vs. Wilmington Delvets (Del.) Post 1, 3 p.m.
Aug. 18: vs. Billings Scarlets (Mont.) Post 4, 1 p.m.
