Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of Iowa.
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.
In a 1963 issue of The American Legion Magazine, Bob Feller wrote a heartfelt tribute to American Legion Baseball, the program where he “cut my baseball eyeteeth.”
The first alumnus of American Legion Baseball to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Feller was also honored by the Legion’s Bob Feller Pitching Award, presented annually to the pitcher with the most strikeouts in national Legion Baseball competition.
Facts about Iowa Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1929.
First state champion: Marshalltown.
Baseball Hall of Famers (1): Bob Feller, Adel and Des Moines, 1962.
Other notable alumni: Mike Boddicker, Cedar Rapids, former major leaguer.
American Legion World Series appearances (9): Cedar Rapids, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1986, 2003; Dubuque County, 2018, 2021; Waterloo, 1964.
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