Michigan's Smith named Legion Baseball Player of the Year

When Cayden Smith joined the Midland (Mich.) Post 165 baseball team earlier this season, he was hoping to enjoy his summer with a successful American Legion program.

On Tuesday after Midland suffered a heartbreaking 5-3 loss to Troy (Ala.) Post 70 in the 2024 American Legion World Series title, Smith joined select company as the George W. Rulon Most Valuable Player.

Smith, who is headed to Central Michigan University on a baseball scholarship this fall, was a standout shortstop and pitcher for Post 165 as they rolled to a 9-2 record in national Legion postseason competition this month.

Smith hit .406 with three doubles and four RBIs in 11 starts while also going 2-0 as a pitcher with a 2.86 ERA and 2-0 record in 7 1/3 innings.

The defeat diminished the postgame award but Smith still recognized its significance.

"It kinda takes away a little bit of the thrill of the MVP honor," Smith said. "But I am honored. It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life."

Smith and his Midland teammates won three games in two days earlier this month in the Great Lakes Regional in Carol Stream, Ill., to advance to Post 165's 12th all-time ALWS and ninth in Shelby, N.C.

In the ALWS, Smith was a driving force for a team that didn't lose until the championship game.

He had a walk and scored a run in a 3-0 win over Bossier City (La.) Post 202 in the opening round. Smith had two hits in a 9-2 victory over Wilmington Delvets (Del.) Post 1 on the third day.

He had two hits, including a double, and two RBIs in a 4-3 win over Billings Scarlets (Mont.) Post 4 on the fourth day.

And he had two walks and picked up the win in relief of the 1-0, eight-inning victory over defending ALWS champion League City (Tex.) Post 554 in Monday's semifinals and had one hit in Tuesday's championship game loss.

"I'm so grateful for the opportunity," Smith said. "I just made a lot of new friends and am so happy to have had this experience."