Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of Louisiana.
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.
Entering the 2025 season, Louisiana is tied with New Jersey for the second-most appearances in the American Legion World Series. Each state has 28 appearances overall. California leads the way with 53 appearances through the 2024 ALWS, the 97th series.
Facts about Louisiana Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1926.
First state champion: Shreveport.
Baseball Hall of Famers (1): Lee Smith, Natchitoches, 2019.
Other notable alumni: Christian Bourgeois, Gonzales, 1996 Player of the Year; Will Clark, New Orleans, former major leaguer; Emerson Gibbs, New Orleans, 2012 Player of the Year; Ron Guidry, Lafayette, 1978 Graduate of the Year; Jim Harwell, New Orleans, 1956 Player of the Year; Gus Malespin, Metairie, 1976 Player of the Year; Dick Roniger, New Orleans, 1960 Player of the Year; Ben Sheets, Gonzales, former major leaguer.
American Legion World Series titles (5): New Orleans Post 132, 1932; New Orleans Post 125, 1946, 1960, 2012; Metairie Post 175, 2006.
Other American Legion World Series appearances (23): Bossier City, 2024; Destrehan, 2019; Gonzales, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1996, 2013, 2018; Lake Charles, 1986; Metairie, 1974, 1976; New Orleans, 1929, 1930, 1934, 1937, 1943, 1956, 1962, 1964, 1980, 1983, 2015.
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