Legion members, baseball players start a tradition on the mound
Post 151 members in Leominster, Mass., recognize players of its Legion Baseball team.

Legion members, baseball players start a tradition on the mound

The former team manager for Leominster Post 151 American Legion Baseball team in Massachusetts wanted to build a stronger relationship between the post members and team players. Sid Rafuse’s idea on how to unite the two has become an eight-year tradition that has brought pride and respect to all involved.

At every Legion Baseball Post 151 home game, a post member throws out the first pitch, and the players autograph the ball afterward.

“When we restarted the Post 151 (Legion Baseball) program in 1997, we didn't have the ability to honor the veterans because our facility, Doyle Field, was not equipped with a press box or sound system,” said Rafuse, who coached Post 151 Legion Baseball’s team for 15 years until 2012 . “When we moved to Pin Cannavino Field, we were provided a great environment to make every home game special. The biggest no brainer was asking (Post 151) Legion members to be honored prior to our games.”

Post 151 Finance Officer Jerry Dube had the honor of throwing out the first pitch for the team’s 2016 season opener at Pin Cannavino Field on June 10.

“I think having a veteran throw out the first pitch is an awareness for everybody," Dube said. "Legion Baseball is about the players learning leadership, but the veterans can’t be forgotten and this is an opportunity to remember them. There’s a lot of pride I think on both sides. It’s really nice; it makes us proud.”

Prior to throwing out the first pitch, the Legionnaires are encouraged to speak with the players about their service or the baseball program itself.

“I think the most beneficial thing is having the veterans speak to our players, as a team, and let the kids know where they served and some of the experiences they've had battling for our country,” Rafuse said. “Those moments were so special. It was important for our players to know that they got to have the life they had, playing a great game, because of these men and woman; having veterans speak to them made it real. We were honored to play for (the veterans) and to get to know them. Much bigger than baseball.”

Before he took the pitcher’s mound, Dube reminded the players about the parallels between them and the veterans that started the Legion’s 91-year-old youth program.

“I tell the players that this is one of the oldest youth programs tied to the Legion, and I see parallels when you talk about teamwork, dedication, leadership, camaraderie and basically fighting for each other,” he said. “Obviously the veterans went down a different path, but with the baseball program I remind the players that they are an example for the younger players coming up.”

Dube receives a copy of Post 151’s game schedule and arranges for a post member to throw out the first pitch at all home games. Dube said post member Mathieu Houle not only throws out a first pitch, he purchases food and beverages at his own expense for the players to ensure they are well hydrated and fed during the games.

“He’s a big part of our program,” Dube said of Houle. “That’s the kind of relationship in our community that we have with the veterans and players.”

The post also hosts an end-of-the-season cookout for the players and coaches, and about two weeks ago the team showed their appreciation to the post members by hosting a cookout at the ballpark for them. “Our relationship has turned into a special thing,” said Jeffrey Dedeian, Post 151 Legion Baseball team manager for the past four years. “The cookout is an opportunity for us to say thanks for everything and also a chance for the (post and team) families to get to know each other. It’s a great relationship.”

Dube echoed Dedeian’s sentiments about the bond Post 151 members and players have. “It’s been a very nice relationship,” Dube said. “Players come up and thank us for all that we do; the players are very respectful. It’s been very rewarding for everyone involved.

"I would love to see this program (between Legion posts and baseball teams) done across the nation." 

And even though he’s no longer coaching the team, Rafuse still attends Post 151's Legion Baseball games and is proud of the tradition Dube and Dedeian have upheld.

“Jeff Dedeian does everything first class," Rafuse said. "There was no doubt he would embrace the post and all of its members. (Dedeian and Dube) have made it a spectacular tradition that we’re all proud of.”