Legion Baseball at 100: Celebrating Hawaii

Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of Hawaii.

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.

After a brief run of American Legion Baseball in Hawaii from 1947-52, the program returned for good in 1961, two years after Hawaii became the 50^th state.

Hawaiian teams won the American Legion World Series in 1980 and 1995 behind pitching aces Sid Fernandez (1980) and Jason Adaro (1995).

Facts about Hawaii Legion Baseball

First season of American Legion Baseball: 1947.

First state champion: Waipahi.

Notable alumni: Jason Adaro, Aiea, 1995 Player of the Year; Sid Fernandez, Honolulu, 1980 Bob Feller Pitching Award recipient.

American Legion World Series titles (2): Honolulu, 1980; Aiea, 1995.

Other American Legion World Series appearances (7): Honolulu, 1962, 2021; Kailua, 1990; Waipahu, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015.