Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of California.
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/Baseball (or click here for the previous story) and stay up-to-date on centennial happenings using #LegionBaseball100 on social media.
Six teams in American Legion World Series history have won consecutive titles, with two of them coming from California.
The first to achieve the feat was Oakland Post 337, which won in 1949 and 1950 — both times in Omaha, Neb. West Covina Post 790 would join them as back-to-back champions in 1970 and 1971, in Klamath Falls, Ore., and Tucson, Ariz., respectively.
Facts about California Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1928.
First state champion: Oakland Post 4.
Baseball Hall of Famers (25): Ted Williams, San Diego, 1966 (1960 Graduate of the Year); Ralph Kiner, Alhambra, 1975; Bob Lemon, San Bernardino, 1976; Eddie Mathews, Sacramento, 1978; Frank Robinson, Oakland, 1982 (1966 Graduate of the Year); Don Drysdale, Van Nuys, 1984; Bobby Doerr, Los Angeles, 1986; Willie Stargell, Alameda, 1988; Joe Morgan, Oakland, 1990; Rollie Fingers, Upland, 1992 (1964 Player of the Year); Tom Seaver, Fresno, 1992; George Brett, El Segundo, 1999 (1980 Graduate of the Year); Robin Yount, Woodland Hills, 1999; George “Sparky” Anderson, Los Angeles, 2000; Gary Carter, Fullerton, 2003 (1981 Graduate of the Year); Eddie Murray, Los Angeles, 2003; Tony Gwynn, Long Beach, 2007 (1998 Graduate of the Year); Dick Williams, Pasadena, 2008; Doug Harvey, San Diego, 2010; Bert Blyleven, Garden Grove, 2011; Pat Gillick, Chico, 2011; Bobby Cox, Selma, 2014; Trevor Hoffman, Anaheim, 2018; Alan Trammell, San Diego, 2018 (1989 Graduate of the Year); CC Sabathia, Vallejo, 2025.
Other notable alumni: Dusty Baker, Fair Oaks, former major league player and manager; Barry Bonds, San Mateo, former major leaguer; Billy Capps, San Diego, 1954 Player of the Year; J.P. Crawford, Lakewood, major leaguer; Dick Dash, Long Beach, 1963 Player of the Year; Randolph Haas, West Covina, 1971 Player of the Year; Ray Herrara, Oakland, 1949 Player of the Year; Randy Jones, Fullerton, former major leaguer; Gabe Kapler, Woodland Hills, former major league player and manager; Jeff Kent, Bellflower, former major leaguer; David Lamb, Newbury Park, 1992 Player of the Year; Don Larsen, San Diego, former major leaguer; Del Marine, Woodland Hills, 1989 Player of the Year; Gene Mauch, Los Angeles, former major league player and manager; Bob Melvin, Palo Alto, 1980 James F. Daniel Sportsmanship Award recipient and major league manager; Rick Monday, Santa Monica, 1976 Graduate of the Year; J.W. Porter, Oakland, 1950 Player of the Year; Steve Trachsel, Fullerton, former major leaguer.
American Legion World Series titles (17): Oakland Post 5, 1928; San Diego Post 6, 1938, 1941; Los Angeles Post 357, 1942; Oakland Post 337, 1949, 1950, 1966; Los Angeles Post 715, 1951; San Diego Post 492, 1954; Long Beach Post 27, 1963; Upland Post 73, 1964; West Covina Post 790, 1970, 1971; Santa Monica Post 123, 1976; Woodland Hills Post 826, 1989; Newbury Park, 1992; Danville Post 246, 2000.
Other American Legion World Series appearances (36): Campbell, 1974; Chatsworth, 1999; Chico, 1983, 2014; Chino, 1994; Danville, 1998, 2001; El Cerrito, 1972; El Segundo, 1986; Escondido, 1991; Fairfield, 1993, 1997; Fullerton, 1975, 1989; Lafayette, 1982; Lakewood, 2012; Los Angeles, 1936, 1946; Northridge, 2003; Norwalk, 1979; Ontario, 1965; Palo Alto, 1980; Petaluma, 2013; Sacramento, 1935, 1981, 1985; San Diego, 1940, 1947, 1952; San Fernando, 1973; San Mateo, 1983, 2016; Santa Monica, 1977, 1978; Union City, 1991; West Covina, 1985.
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