Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of Missouri.
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.
While Missouri’s first two American Legion World Series titles were won by different programs, they came in a familiar setting.
St. Louis Post 245 won the 1956 ALWS in Bismarck, N.D. Six years later, St. Louis Post 299 won the title, also in Bismarck.
The state’s third champion, Ballwin Post 611, defeated homestanding Memphis in the 1972 ALWS.
Facts about Missouri Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1929.
First state champion: St. Louis.
Baseball Hall of Famers (2): Yogi Berra, St. Louis, 1972; Earl Weaver, St. Louis, 1996
Other notable alumni: Joe Crede, Jefferson City, former major leaguer; Ross Detwiler, Wentzville, former major leaguer; Bill Matan Jr., St. Louis, 1962 Player of the Year; Michael Murphy, Ballwin, 1972 Player of the Year; Albert Pujols, Independence, 2006 Graduate of the Year; Brad Zeigler, Oak Grove, former major leaguer.
American Legion World Series titles (3): St. Louis Post 245, 1956; St. Louis Post 299, 1962; Ballwin Post 611, 1972.
Other American Legion World Series appearances (7): Blue Springs, 2003; Crestwood, 1980; Festus, 2009, 2019; Jefferson City, 1998; Maplewood, 1954; St. Louis, 1950.
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