With an alumni base that includes more than half of current Major League Baseball players, American Legion Baseball is one of the most prominent and tradition-rich amateur athletic leagues in existence.

The program is always growing, and participation is easy.

About 3,500 teams compete each year, so there’s ample opportunity for new players to join, and for coaches who want to start a team. The league also employs a large number of umpires and other volunteers.

To play:

Contact your local Legion post. Look for the address and phone number in the local White Pages or at www.legion.org/baseball. Click on "Find a Post" and fill in your city, state and ZIP code. 

Players who are cut from a team, or try out but don't make the roster, can play for the post that is the next-shortest driving distance from their residence. If a player doesn't make that team, he can try out with the next-closest post. He can continue until he finds a team to join.

Age eligibility chart

To coach:

Coaches who want to start a team should contact the department baseball chairman in their state. A full listing of chairmen can be found here. The department will send a new team packet, which includes copies of the state and national rules, insurance information and registration forms. 

Begin your team registration at baseball.legion.org

To umpire:

Usually, local umpire associations provide departments with umpires. Department chairmen can nominate umpires to officiate the national tournament. Umpires can also nominate each other.

To volunteer:

Legion Baseball can always use your help. Volunteers can serve in a variety of ways, ranging from statisticians to serving Gatorade during games.