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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.
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American Legion Code of Sportsmanship
I will:
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.
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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
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South East Regional
Tournament 2009
The
American Legion Southeast Regional Tournament featured the seven
state champions from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina,
South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico and the host team, Sumter,
SC. Sumter is the defending SE Regional Champion.
The
tournament was played at historic Riley Park. Riley Park has a long
standing relationship with American Legion Baseball in this
community and is the current home to The Sumter P-15’s, The USC
Sumter Fire Ants and The Morris College Hornets. It is the former
home to The Sumter Braves.
Organizers of the largest veteran’s organization in the United State
expect the tournament to boost the Sumter economy with over 1,000
fans and 350 motel room nights required for this tournament. The
total financial impact to the community should exceed $500,000 in
retail sales.
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State
Champions
1940, 1950, 1952,
1962, 1977, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2008
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