MADISON – Two age groups now can register to participate in Alabama American Legion Baseball and play for teams affiliated with Madison American Legion, Post 229.

“It’s that time of the year where the crack (ping) of the bat and smack of the baseball hitting leather is heard all around town. Again this year, Madison American Legion, Post 229 is fielding teams to play American Legion Baseball,” Bobby E. Lee Jr. said. Lee serves as Post 229’s point of contact for baseball.

To register, visit Alabama American Legion Baseball’s website, alabamaamericanlegionbaseball.com, and register for the Madison team.

Madison American Legion is fielding teams in the Varsity division (high school age) and the 19U division (for recent high school graduates and students in the first year of college). “Last year, the Varsity team finished third in the state,” Lee said.

A competitive, not-for-profit league, American Legion Baseball is primarily comprised of high school ball players that want to compete after the season ends for school baseball. However, unlike travel and showcase baseball, all coaches with American Legion baseball are vetted by a criminal background check, Lee said

“American Legion registered teams come with liability and supplemental medical insurance, along with access to free, robust software to track player rosters, pitcher pitch counts, team wins and losses,” Lee said. “We work with teams to develop their play schedules against other area American Legion teams.”

American Legion baseball costs a fraction of the expense to play summer travel baseball, Lee said. The cost for last year’s teams was less than $400 per player. “Our focus is basic civics, sportsmanship and Americanism, while playing our national game,” Lee said. “We’re reinforcing respect to our flag, rights and privilege as a citizen in this great nation and respect for those that pay the price of freedom.”

Before each game, team staff plays the “National Anthem” and encourage Legionnaires and other veterans to attend and wear Legion or service caps and talk to players and parents to encourage them to be responsible citizens, Lee said.

American Legion Baseball is one of the most tradition-rich amateur athletic leagues with a lengthy history, Lee said. The league strives to provide a good mix of flexible schedules and good competition. Teams play regular season and tournament games within Alabama. Birmingham was the longest trip that the Madison team took in 2021-2022.

The Varsity division season ends with the state tournament. The 19U team can continue into regional and American Legion World Series.

For more information, visit alabamaamericanlegionbaseball.com.