SUMTER POST 15 LEGION BASEBALL
Since 1925, The American Legion has sponsored a nationwide youth baseball program. During these past seven decades, millions of young players have enjoyed playing baseball. The American Legion and their 2.8 million members have raised millions of dollars each year for players to learn the importance of teamwork, discipline, leadership and good sportsmanship. The American Legion sponsors American Legion Baseball to give players an opportunity to develop their skills, personal fitness, leadership qualities and to have fun.
American Legion Code of Sportsmanship
Keep the Rules; Keep Faith with my teammates; Keep my temper; Keep myself fit; Keep a Stout heart in defeat; Keep my pride under in victory; Keep a sound soul; A clean mind; And a Healthy body
This site is dedicated to providing information about the program to the managers, coaches, and players. To find out more information on American Legion Baseball click here.
SUMTER P-15 HISTORY
The
American Legion Baseball Program was first situated in South
Carolina in 1929. It is a source of great pride and satisfaction
that two distinguished Sumter men, members of Post 15, played a
major part in starting this fine program in our State. The late
George D. Levy was Department Commander and the late John B. Duffie
was Department Athletic Officer.
The Sumter Post sponsored a team in 1929, and has sponsored a team
every year since that date, 72 consecutive years. Sumter is the only
Post in South Carolina which has had a team since American Legion
Baseball came to the Palmetto State. Research at the National Level
indicates that Sumter has the seconds oldest program in the World in
continuous operation.
During the first sixteen years of the local program. Legionnaire
John J. Riley served as Post Athletic Officer and Head Coach. He
gave up the reins when he was elected to the United States House of
Representatives from the Second Congressional District in 1945.
Riley Park, Sumter's baseball field, was named in honor of
Congressman Riley in 1947. He played a leading part in the
construction of the field.
Athletic Officer in charge of the Sumter Program since Congressman
Riley have been the late Gifford W. Shaw and D.B. "Skeet" James, who
held the job from 1947 to 1972. Thomas "Bucko" Eden held the
position from 1972 to 2000. Jimmy Hodge took over the position in
2001.
Sumter has hosted many Sectional and Regional Tournaments during
these years.
There have been many other Legionnaires too numerous to mention who
have contributed much to the success of our program, but grateful
recognition is given to the entire Post membership, and to the many
loyal, ardent baseball fans throughout the Sumter area for their
support.
STATE CHAMPIONS
1940, 1950, 1952, 1962, 1977, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010
