Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of Ohio
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 was playing American Legion Baseball better than Cincinnati in the 1940s and 1950s.
From 1944-58, a 15-year span, nine teams from Cincinnati advanced to the ALWS, with six of those teams winning the title.
Facts about Ohio Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1926.
First state champion: Springfield Post 6.
Baseball Hall of Famers (4): Jim Bunning, Cincinnati, 1996; Phil Niekro, Bridgeport, 1997; Barry Larkin, Cincinnati, 2012; Jim Leyland, Pemberton, 2024.
Other notable alumni: Ryan Beeney, Newark, 1991 Player of the Year; Tim Belcher, Ashley, former major leaguer; Chad Billingsley, Napoleon, 2013 Graduate of the Year; Frank Birri, Cincinnati, 1955 Player of the Year; Fred Fox, Cincinnati, 1957 Player of the Year; Jim Gerber, Cincinnati, 1961 Player of the Year; Ty Henkaline, Sidney, 2002 Player of the Year; Mike Kessler, Cincinnati, 1988 Player of the Year; Russell Nixon, Cincinnati, 1952 Player of the Year.
American Legion World Series titles (7): Cincinnati Post 50, 1944, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1958; Cincinnati Post 216, 1955; Cincinnati Post 507, 1988.
Other American Legion World Series appearances (17): Cincinnati, 1946, 1949, 1951, 1961, 1969, 1973, 1987; Findlay, 1972; Maynard, 1986; Napoleon, 2001, 2013; Newark, 1991; Springfield, 1926, 1943; Whitehouse, 2003; Worthington, 1975, 1983.
- Baseball