Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of North Carolina.
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.
Through 2010, the American Legion World Series had taken place in locations across the country, from big cities to small towns.
But since 2011, the ALWS has had a permanent home in Shelby, N.C., at Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium.
Facts about North Carolina Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1928.
First state champion: Raleigh.
Baseball Hall of Famers (3): Hoyt Wilhelm, Mecklenburg County, 1985; Jim “Catfish” Hunter, Ahoskie, 1987; Gaylord Perry, Williamston, 1991.
Other notable alumni: Madison Bumgarner, Caldwell County, major leaguer; Trevor Marsh, Randolph County, 2019 Player of the Year; Wil Myers, High Point, former major leaguer; Corey Seager, Kannapolis, 2023 Graduate of the Year; Mike Shildt, Charlotte, major league manager; Patrick Singletary, Hendersonville, 2008 Player of the Year.
American Legion World Series titles (4): Gastonia Post 23, 1935; Albemarle Post 76, 1940; Shelby Post 82, 1945; Charlotte Post 9, 1965.
Other American Legion World Series appearances (19): Albemarle, 1944; Charlotte, 1964; Cherryville, 1953, 1998, 2003; Gastonia, 1954; Greensboro, 1963; Hamlet, 1983; Kernersville, 2010; Randolph County, 2017, 2018, 2019; Rowan County, 1996, 2009, 2016; Salisbury, 1955; Whiteville, 1943; Wilmington, 1970, 2013.
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