Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of Illinois.
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.
Behind the slugging of 1988 Player of the Year Chad Opel, Edwardsville Post 199 brought Illinois its first American Legion World Series title in 55 years.
Edwardsville’s championship also came in the first year of a new format for the ALWS, with the eight teams divided into two pools, with the top two finishers in each division heading to the semifinals.
Facts about Illinois Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1926.
First state champion: Chicago.
Baseball Hall of Famers (4): Lou Boudreau, Harvey, 1970; Robin Roberts, Springfield, 1976; Whitey Herzog, New Athens, 2010; Jim Thome, Bartonville, 2018.
Other notable alumni: Gary Gaetti, Centralia, former major leaguer; Joe Girardi, Peoria, former major league player and manager; Tanner Houck, Collinsville, major leaguer; Jason Kipnis, Northbrook, former major leaguer; Ray Larson, Northbrook, 1967 Player of the Year; Charles Lindstrom, Winnetka, 1953 Player of the Year; Chad Opel, Edwardsville, 1998 Player of the Year; Brian Snitker, Decatur, major league manager; Jim Sundberg, Galesburg, 1982 Graduate of the Year.
American Legion World Series titles (3): South Chicago Post 493, 1931; Chicago Post 467, 1933; Edwardsville Post 199, 1998.
Other American Legion World Series appearances (18): Arlington Heights, 1965, 1992; Barrington, 1979; Belleville, 1948; Berwyn, 1939, 1941, 1960; Danville, 2019; Des Plaines, 1976; Moline, 2010, 2012; Northbrook, 1966, 1967; Oak Park, 1945; Quincy, 1987; Rock Island, 1997; Waukegan, 1980; Winnetka, 1953.
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