Facts about the history of American Legion Baseball in the Department of South Carolina.
NOTE: As we prepare to celebrate American Legion Baseball’s centennial season, we’re taking a quick look at historical facts from each Legion department which sponsors, or has sponsored, the program. Check out stories at Legion.org/Baseballat100 (or click here for the previous story) and stay up-to-date on centennial happenings using #LegionBaseball100 on social media.
South Carolina’s first American Legion World Series champions were the second team to win the title on their home field.
A year after Gastonia (N.C.) Post 23 won the 1935 ALWS, Spartanburg Post 28 hosted and won the 1936 series. Spartanburg beat Los Angeles three games to two in the best-of-five final.
Facts about South Carolina Legion Baseball
First season of American Legion Baseball: 1929.
First state champion: Charleston Post 112.
Baseball Hall of Famers (1): Jim Rice, Anderson, 2009.
Other notable alumni: Justin Hawkins, Newberry, 2015 Player of the Year; Kiebler James, Greenwood, 1958 Player of the Year; Anna Kimbrell, Fort Mill, Olympic women’s baseball player; Jordan Montgomery, Sumter, major leaguer; Bobby Richardson, Sumter, 1962 Graduate of the Year.
American Legion World Series titles (2): Spartanburg Post 28, 1936; Chapin-Newberry, 2015.
Other American Legion World Series appearances (13): Camden, 2022; Columbia, 1931, 2000; Conagree, 1971; Florence, 2012, 2023; Gaffney, 2011; Greenwood, 1958, Greer, 1957; Spartanburg, 1938; Sumter, 2006, 2008; Timmonsville, 1968.
- Baseball