Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of Nebraska.
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.
No one city has sent more teams to the American Legion World Series than Omaha. Nebraska’s most populous city has sent 19 teams to the ALWS, including the state’s only ALWS champion. Post 1 won the 1939 ALWS—in Omaha, coincidentally.
Facts about Nebraska Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1928.
First state champion: Omaha Post 1.
Baseball Hall of Famers (2): Bob Gibson, Omaha, 1981; Richie Ashburn, Neligh, 1995.
Other notable alumni: Alec Bohm, Omaha, major leaguer; Jake Diekman, Wymore, major leaguer; Blaine Drozd, Genoa, 2007 Player of the Year; Brandon Drozd, Genoa, 2010 Player of the Year; Brian Duensing, Omaha, 2018 Graduate of the Year; Ken Fila, Omaha, 1965 Player of the Year; Alex Gordon, Lincoln, 2015 Graduate of the Year.
American Legion World Series titles (1): Omaha Post 1, 1939.
Other American Legion World Series appearances (22): Hastings, 1960; Lincoln, 1955, 2006, 2023; Omaha, 1948, 1961, 1963, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1981, 1985, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022.
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