Fifty years after Rio Piedras (P.R.) Post 146 won its second consecutive American Legion World Series, and 13 years after Puerto Rico last participated in American Legion Baseball, the program has returned to the island.

Legion Baseball returns to Puerto Rico

For the first time since 2011, Puerto Rico is playing American Legion Baseball.

Puerto Rico’s return to the ranks of American Legion Baseball comes as overall registration returns to pre-pandemic levels, with teams in all 50 states and the island territory. Registration ended June 1 for the 2024 season; rosters must be set by June 25.

Puerto Rico’s champion will compete in the Southeast Regional for a shot at reaching the 97th American Legion World Series, Aug. 15-20 at Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium in Shelby, the permanent home of the ALWS. The eight regionals to set the ALWS field will take place Aug. 7-11.

In 10 appearances overall in the American Legion World Series between 1972 and 1992, teams from Puerto Rico won three championships. Rio Piedras Post 146 won back-to-back titles in 1973 and 1974, and Guaynabo Post 134 won the ALWS in 1984.

“We are super excited to launch this program to impact our youth with four great teams, hopefully next year we can have many more teams,” Department of Puerto Rico Commander Carmen Rosario said.