Legion Baseball alums star in historic MLB World Series
In a Major League Baseball World Series that will go down as one of the best in baseball history, former American Legion Baseball players left their mark as the Cubs defeated the Indians in seven games.
A former Las Vegas Legion Baseball player was key in breaking the most famous curse in sports. Kris Bryant, who is just 24 years old, showed his stellar all-around ability in the World Series.
The third baseman became the second Cubs player ever with a four-hit game in the Series and two home runs in the same World Series.
In addition to his slugging at the plate, Bryant showed heads-up base running on multiple occasions to take extra bases and score crucial runs. He played stellar defense and had the final assist to seal the Fall Classic for Chicago.
The two-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year was also named the Hank Aaron Award winner (best offensive player in the national league) earlier before Game 2. He is a favorite for the national league’s Most Valuable Player award.
Also earning a ring is Bryant, Ark., native and Legion Baseball alum Travis Wood, whose work in relief helped Chicago all season. The Cubs allowed the fewest earned runs from the bullpen in the majors this year.
The Cubs rallied from a 3-1 deficit, starting with a bold move by manager Joe Maddon, who has long been an advocate for Legion Baseball.
He instituted an “American Legion Game” for Game 5 at Wrigley Field, which meant that players arrived 90 minutes before the contest, skipped batting practice and went out and played like they would in their American Legion days.
The plan worked, with the Cubs rallying for three straight to win the historic series.
The Indians were valiant foes, however, never letting the Cubs get confidence until the final out was recorded.
Cleveland fans were especially excited when New London, Conn., Legion alum Rajai Davis hit the latest game-tying home run in World Series Game 7 history with a two-run blast in the eighth inning.
The “heart and soul of the Indians,” as described by FOX announcer Joe Buck, was Illinois Legion alum Jason Kipnis.
The second baseman had two three-hit games in the Series, becoming the first Indians player to ever accomplish that feat in the Fall Classic. In a Game 4 victory, he became the first visiting player to hit a three-run homer during a World Series game at Wrigley Field since Babe Ruth.
In addition, Indians right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall was a Legion Baseball state champion for Morehead City Post 46 in North Carolina.
"It was great to see some of our own dominating on the biggest stage in baseball," said Gary Stone, American Legion Baseball chairman. "It goes to show that Legion is still turning out some of the greatest players in the game."