Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of Florida.
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.
Two of the 16 teams to go undefeated in an American Legion World Series come from Florida.
Hialeah Post 32 did so to win the state’s first ALWS title in 1978, stealing 20 bases in the process.
Jensen Beach Post 126 followed suit, ending their season with 19 straight victories overall to win the 1986 ALWS.
Facts about Florida Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1928.
First state champion: Tampa.
Baseball Hall of Famers (6): Steve Carlton, Miami, 1994 (1971 Graduate of the Year); Wade Boggs, Tampa, 2005; Tony LaRussa, West Tampa, 2014; Tim Raines, Sanford, 2017; Chipper Jones, Deland, 2018 (2000 Graduate of the Year); Fred McGriff, Tampa, 2023.
Other notable alumni: John Adeimy, West Palm Beach, 1969 Player of the Year; Kevin Cash, Tampa, major league manager; Jacob deGrom, Deland, 2021 Graduate of the Year; David Eckstein, Sanford, former major leaguer; Tomas Gil, Hialeah, 1980 Player of the Year; Luis Gonzalez, Tampa, 2002 Graduate of the Year; Joe Grahe, Jensen Beach, 1986 Player of the Year; Ross Jones, Hialeah, 1978 Player of the Year; David Magadan, West Tampa, 1981 Player of the Year; Kevin O’Sullivan, Jensen Beach, college baseball coach; Lou Piniella, West Tampa, former major league player and manager; Fernando Rodriguez, Miami, 1994 Player of the Year.
American Legion World Series titles (5): Hialeah Post 32, 1978; West Tampa Post 248, 1981; Jensen Beach Post 126, 1986; Miami Post 346, 1994; Sanford Post 53, 1997.
Other American Legion World Series appearances (12): Deland, 2004; Hialeah, 1980; Jacksonville, 1948, 1951, 2014; Miami, 1960, 1993; Sarasota, 1991; West Palm Beach, 1969, 1977, 1988; West Tampa, 1987.
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