"A BRIEF HISTORY OF AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL"

American Legion Baseball became a National program by convention action in 1925, and the first National Tournament was held in 1926. Only 16 states were represented in this first year of national operation. In 1928, Mr. Dan Sowers, the Director of the National Americanism Commission, appeared before the Executive Council of Baseball in Chicago, which agreed to underwrite the national program up to $50,000. With the exception of two years, the Major Leagues have continually sup-ported American Legion Baseball. Major League Baseball continues to make a financial contribution each year.

During the 1929 season, every state ENTERED teams into competition. Nineteen thirty-one marked the first appearance in championship play of a player who was later to become a big-league great. Kirby Higbe hurled a complete game for Columbia, South Carolina, and lost the final game in the 14th inning, 1-0. Ten years later, he was the National League's top pitcher.

Nineteen-forty and 1941 marked the years that American Legion Baseball became an established national institution for American youth. During the war years, the program was restricted but continued its service to our nation's youngsters. The post-war years saw the continued growth of the program and the nation's realization of the importance of this type of activity for boys of all age groups.

In 1949, the selection of an American Legion Player of the Year was originated. This was arranged through the cooperation of Mr. Robert Quinn, Director of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. The sixties saw the program grow stronger under the leadership of George W. Rulon, Program Coordinator for American Legion Baseball, who held that post from 1961 until 1987. Upon his retirement, The American Legion Player of the Year Award was renamed the George W. Rulon Player of the Year in honor of the late Program Coordinator.

The seventies saw three more national awards established by the National Americanism Commission. The Dr. Irvin L. (Click) Cowger RBI award, Rawlings Big Stick Award, and the Bob Feller pitching awards were established based on players' statistics in Regional and World Series Tournaments. In 1982, the National Americanism Commission adopted the eight-site, eight team, double elimination Regional Tournament format. Sixty-four of the best teams in the country begin National competition at the Regionals.

In 1998, The American Legion established a national baseball scholarship. A $1,000 scholarship is awarded to each participating Department. A total of $51,000 is awarded annually to 51 out-standing American Legion Baseball players based upon leadership, character, scholarship and financial need. Over 95,000 players, ages 15 to 18, participated in 2001. Since 1985, over 1,700 new teams have registered to play American Legion Baseball. Local American Legion Posts also support and sponsor some 2,500 younger-age teams who are registered with Little League, Babe Ruth, Pony, Dixie as well as many other youth sports teams such as soccer, bowling, hockey, etc.

On an average, 55 percent of Major League Baseball players played American Legion Baseball as teenagers.

Nearly 75 percent of all college players played American Legion Baseball as teenagers. Forty-three American Legion Baseball graduates have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

The first former Legion player inducted into the Hall of Fame was Bob Feller. The Bob Feller pitching award is presented annually to the pitcher in Regional and World Series competition who strikes out the most batters.

Since 1926, Major League Baseball has honored The American Legion World Series Champions at the Major League World Series. The Commissioner's Office annually presents a plaque to The American Legion champions on the field at The Major League World Series. The 2002 National Championship team, from Brooklawn, NJ attended the MLWS in New York and was presented the Commissioner's Award by Frank Robinson, Vice President of Major League Baseball and Sandy Alderson, Vice President of Major League Baseball. Both played American Legion Baseball and Mr. Robinson's Oakland, CA Legion Team won the 1949 & 1950 American Legion World Series.

This season marks the 77th Anniversary of competition in the program. Its purpose continues to be in 2002 the same as was in 1925, "An investment in America's Youth." The history of American Legion Baseball has proven that America's youth receive on the baseball diamond a thorough understanding of the true value of sportsmanship, leadership and individual character building.

American Legion Baseball - Coach's Code of Ethics

The coach must be aware that he or she has tremendous influence, either good or bad, in the development of the baseball player, and thus, shall never place the value of winning above instilling the highest desirable ideals of character.

The coach must constantly uphold the honor and dignity of the Profession. In all personal contact with the athletes, umpires, officials, administrators, state and national organizations, the media, and the public, the coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct.

1. "Bench jockeying" will not be allowed.
1. Coaches are to prohibit bench jockeying, which would include personal and malicious remarks, cursing and obscene language towards opponents, umpires or spectators.
2. The coach shall take an active role in the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse and under no circumstances should authorize their use.
3. The coach shall not use alcohol or tobacco products when in contact with players.
4. Coaches shall not make statements that are false, deceptive, misleading, or fraudulent concerning work activities, personal and organization affiliations.
5. The coach shall be thoroughly acquainted with American Legion Baseball rules and is responsible for their interpretation to team members.
1. The spirit and letter of rules should be regarded as mutual agreements.
2. The coach shall not try to seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules.
3. Coaches shall not permit ineligible player(s) to participate, practice or be apart of any team function without first discussing eligibility with a previous Legion coach or with the State Baseball Chairman, and without securing permission, in writing, the proper forms from the State Baseball Chairman.
4. Players should be taught to respect the dignity of the game, umpires and opponents.
6. Coaches should confine their discussion to the rules and not challenge umpire decisions involving judgment.
7. Coaches shall actively use their influence to enhance sportsmanship by their athletes and spectators.
1. Before and after contests, rival coaches should meet and exchange friendly greetings in order to set the correct tone for the game.
8. Contest umpires will be treated with respect and supported by the coach.
1. The coach shall not indulge in conduct which will incite players or spectators against the umpires.
2. Public criticism of umpires or players is unethical.
9. Coaches should expect from the umpires a courteous and dignified attitude towards themselves and the players.
10. Coaches do not engage in sexual harassment, abuse, or any other harassment.
11. Coaches should develop and promote a spirit of cooperation among the baseball family, including sponsors and any person connected with the program.

Baseball is a game of fun, designed for enjoyment of youngsters, not to be a hobby for adults coaching them.

I recognize the responsibility placed upon me to model ethical behavior. I pledge myself to observe, practice and maintain this code of ethics.