Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of Minnesota.
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.
Three of Minnesota’s four Legion Baseball alumni in the Baseball Hall of Fame played for teams sponsored by the same post—albeit at different times.
Dave Winfield, Paul Molitor and Joe Mauer all played for Post 606 in St. Paul. The fourth Hall of Famer, Jack Morris, played for Post 406 in St. Paul.
Facts about Minnesota Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1926.
First state champion: Crosby Post 154.
Baseball Hall of Famers (4): Dave Winfield, St. Paul, 2001 (1977 Graduate of the Year); Paul Molitor, St. Paul, 2004 (1996 Graduate of the Year); Jack Morris, St. Paul, 2018; Joe Mauer, St. Paul, 2024.
Other notable alumni: Michael Halloran, Edina, 1983 Player of the Year; Blake Schmit, Eden Prairie, 2011 Player of the Year; Terry Steinbach, New Ulm, 1992 Graduate of the Year.
American Legion World Series titles (5): Richfield Post 435, 1943; Edina Post 471, 1983; New Brighton Post 513, 1999; Rochester Post 92, 2003; Eden Prairie, 2011.
Other American Legion World Series appearances (16): Bloomington, 1999; Burnsville, 2013; Eden Prairie, 2004, 2007, 2010; Edina, 1982; Excelsior, 1998, 2002; Moorhead, 1988; New Brighton, 1997; New Ulm, 1978, 1985; Osseo, 1993, 1995; Richfield, 1973; Woodbury, 2005.
- Baseball