Behind the Scenes: American Legion Baseball 2022 State Championship

For over four decades, the California American Legion Baseball championship had been held at a small diamond in a very scenic location in northern California. With the drive to grow the program and raise awareness of the benefits and value of youth sports in The American Legion, the state championship tournament in 2021 was held in Clovis, Calif. Six teams from across the Department competed over four days of elite level baseball.

In 2022, the championship will return to the Central Valley where now eight teams from across the state will compete for the title at Fresno State University Bulldog Stadium. Youth baseball teams representing American Legion posts across California will compete in their districts and their area, for the opportunity to travel to Fresno and compete for the championship.

The teams will be brought together July 22-26 for five great days of baseball. Each team will be provided lodging either at the dormitories at Fresno State University or at local hotels. On the evening that the teams arrive in Fresno, a team meeting with all the coaches and players and American Legion Baseball commissioners will be held and then followed by a banquet dinner to kick off the championship festivities.

The following morning, there will be an opening ceremony held at the Stadium prior to the first pitch of the tournament. That evening all teams, and their families will be invited to attend a player appreciation event consisting of food and activities for all to enjoy. After all tournament games have been played, and the champion crowned, a significant measure of thanks will be paid to all of the volunteers who helped make this year‘s state championship successful.

In 2021, it was the leadership, enthusiasm, and energy of the legionnaires, auxiliary members, and volunteers from the Blue Star Moms and The Young Marines from District 14 that made all the difference in the world. Their selfless dedication set the tone and established the high water mark for all championships to follow.

You are invited to come out and support this program that provides youth athletes and their families the opportunity to play championship level baseball on an elite collegiate diamond and a glimpse into their athletic future.