Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of Indiana.
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.
For a state known for basketball, there are a surprising number of football players who played American Legion Baseball.
They include quarterback Bob Griese, a member of both the Pro Football and College Football halls of fame who played Legion Baseball in Evansville; Bob Keuchenberg, Griese’s teammate with the Miami Dolphins who played Legion Baseball in Hobart; and quarterback Jay Cutler, who played Legion Baseball in Rockport.
Facts about Indiana Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1926.
First state champion: Indianapolis.
Baseball Hall of Famers (2): Gil Hodges, Princeton, 2022; Scott Rolen, Jasper, 2023 (2005 Graduate of the Year).
Other notable alumni: Jay Cutler, Rockport, former NFL player; Bob Griese, Evansville, Pro and College Football Hall of Famer; Tommy John, Terre Haute, former major leaguer; Bob Kuechenberg, Hobart, former NFL player; Adam Lind, Anderson, former major leaguer; Don Mattingly, Evansville, 1987 Graduate of the Year; Bill Schell, South Bend, 1977 Player of the Year.
American Legion World Series titles (1): South Bend Post 50, 1977.
Other American Legion World Series appearances: (8) Evansville, 1963; Kokomo, 1982; Rockport, 1974, 1987, 2007, 2016; South Bend, 1968; Terre Haute, 2006.
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