Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of New York.
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.
They’ll always be the first.
New York won the first American Legion World Series title, with Yonkers Post 321 cruising to a 23-6 victory in the 1926 championship game. Buffalo Post 721 won the third ALWS in 1929 — there was no season in 1927.
Facts about New York Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1926.
First state champion: Yonkers Post 321.
Baseball Hall of Famers (3): Warren Spahn, Buffalo, 1973 (1963 Graduate of the Year); Carl Yastrzemski, Bridgehampton, 1989 (1967 Graduate of the Year); Joe Torre, Brooklyn, 2014.
Other notable alumni: Tom Browning, Chadwick, former major leaguer; Grover Jones Jr., White Plains, 1951 Player of the Year; Mark Lemke, Utica, former major leaguer.
American Legion World Series titles (2): Yonkers Post 321, 1926; Buffalo Post 721, 1929.
Other American Legion World Series appearances (10): Buffalo, 1962; Kingston, 1988; Rockland County, 1990, 1993, 1996, 2002; Staten Island, 1964, 1968; White Plains, 1951; Yonkers, 1956.
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