American Legion Baseball’s junior program sees increased registration

American Legion Baseball’s junior program will have more teams in 2019.

The under-17 league, which registers nationwide, will have 1,308 teams competing this season. That is an increase of 43 teams in 2019 over 2018.

Much of the growth comes from the 13- to 16-year-old age group, one that has been a focus of the program recently.

“Getting younger players into American Legion Baseball has been a major focus for us,” said Gary Stone, chairman of the American Legion Baseball Committee. “Players who join our junior program tend to stay and become senior American Legion Baseball players.”

The push to focus on the junior program has been a fruitful one, as the program still focuses on Americanism, citizenship, sportsmanship, loyalty, physical fitness and team spirit.

“More time playing American Legion Baseball doesn’t just make for better players,” Stone added. “It makes better teammates who are also better citizens.”