Larry Price of South Dakota retires as chairman of The American Legion's Baseball Subcommittee after 19 years.

Legion Baseball’s growth brings changes in leadership

With the continued growth of The American Legion Baseball program, the first resolution brought to the floor of the 2015 Fall Meetings in Indianapolis on Oct. 14 addressed the increasing prominence of the program, suggesting the creation of The American Legion Baseball Committee.

The National Executive Committee approved Resolution No. 1, calling on the newly-formed committee “to formulate and recommend rules (administrative, playing and safety), policies, plans, and activities” and “to promote The American Legion Baseball program and its principles.”

Previously led by a subcommittee, Legion Baseball has been in the spotlight more than ever since Shelby, N.C., became the home of The American Legion World Series (ALWS) in 2011. Since moving to its permanent home, World Series attendance has grown 36 percent, leading to another record-breaking six-day event in 2015 with paid attendance of 117,072. In addition, pool play at the event aired live on ESPN3 and the semifinal contests and championship game were telecast on ESPNU with record-setting audiences.

One of the leaders in helping Legion Baseball’s increasing popularity is outgoing Legion Baseball Subcommittee Chairman Larry Price of South Dakota. After 19 years as chairman, Price announced his retirement in August at the ALWS.

“I am very proud of what we have accomplished over the last 19 years and what we will continue to do here,” Price said this week as he was honored for his service with a plaque and engraved bat. “I have other passions, and it is time for me to pursue them.”

Taking on Price’s role as chairman of the newly-formed Legion Baseball Committee will be Gary Stone of Missouri, who was a consultant on the subcommittee. Mark Avis of Massachusetts will continue in his role as vice chairman.

Membership of the committee will feature new members Derrick Ater of Idaho and Jody Moeller of Nebraska, who join Avis, William Burkett of West Virginia, Thomas Drury of New Mexico, John Hayes of Indiana, Jacob Raile of North Dakota and Victor Straub of Pennsylvania.

Non-voting consultants Edwin Holbrook of North Carolina and Carljohann Hennell of Montana will continue in their roles and will be joined by Mark Cauble of North Carolina as advisors to the committee. And Rickie Cash of Arkansas joins as the national commander’s representative to round out the body.