Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of Oklahoma.
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.
Hall of Famer Johnny Bench said American Legion Baseball was a “huge” influence on his career.
“We had organized baseball in Binger, Okla. My dad started that team, but when I got to be 14, in order to move up, we certainly didn’t have the size of the city in order to support an American Legion team, so I had to go to Anadarko,” Bench said in 2016 after receiving The American Legion James V. Day Good Guy Award.
“That team in Anadarko actually had a couple of kids sign in the major leagues so there was a lot of attention due to the quality of players that were on that particular team, and it was sort of a hotbed for players in those days.”
Facts about Oklahoma Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1928.
First state champion: Oklahoma City.
Baseball Hall of Famers (1): Johnny Bench, Anadarko, 1989 (1973 Graduate of the Year).
Other notable alumni: Eddie Fisher, Altus, 1965 Graduate of the Year; A.J. Hinch, Midwest City, major league manager; Matt Holliday, Stillwater, former major leaguer; J.T. Realmuto, Midwest City, major leaguer; Gene Stephenson, Guthrie, College Baseball Hall of Fame coach; Carroll Watts, Tulsa, 1970 Player of the Year.
American Legion World Series titles (2): Enid Post 4, 2005; Midwest City, 2010.
Other American Legion World Series appearances (12): Bartlesville, 1969; Edmond, 1999, 2004; Enid, 1966; Midwest City, 1987, 2001; Norman, 1993; Tulsa, 1970, 1979, 1981, 1997; Woodward, 1985.
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