Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of Michigan.
NOTE: As we prepare to celebrate American Legion Baseball’s centennial season, we’re taking a quick look at historical facts from each Legion department which sponsors, or has sponsored, the program. Check out stories at Legion.org/Baseballat100 (or click here for the previous story) and stay up-to-date on centennial happenings using #LegionBaseball100 on social media.
Fifty years separate Michigan’s two American Legion World Series champions, with Detroit Post 187 winning the 1959 title and Midland Post 165 winning the 2009 title.
A meeting between the two teams in 2009 helped spur that second championship.
“In our 2009 state tournament, they honored the ‘59 team and we sat with them at a banquet,” said Midland head coach Dan Cronkright, who was a Post 165 assistant in 2009. “And they told us, ‘This is our year.’”
Facts about Michigan Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1928.
First state champion: Detroit Post 125.
Baseball Hall of Famers (2): Hal Newhouser, Detroit, 1992; Ted Simmons, Southfield, 2020.
Other notable alumni: Fred Bowen Jr., Detroit, 1959 Player of the Year; Terry Collins, Midland, former major league manager; Kirk Gibson, Pontiac, former major leaguer; Cayden Smith, Midland, 2024 Player of the Year; Jay Threet, Adrian, 2001 Player of the Year.
American Legion World Series titles (2): Detroit Post 187, 1959; Midland Post 165, 2009.
Other American Legion World Series appearances (15): Allen Park, 1978; Blissfield, 1994; Detroit, 1964; Flint, 1943; Lincoln Park, 1971; Midland, 1990, 1996, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2024.
- Baseball