California Returns to the American Legion World Series

FAIRFIELD EXPOS REPRESENT CALIFORNIA ON THE NATIONAL STAGE

The 2026 American Legion Baseball season provided California with a memorable championship run as the Fairfield Expos captured the Western Regional Championship and advanced to the 99th American Legion World Series in Shelby, North Carolina.

Fairfield’s accomplishment marked an important moment for California American Legion Baseball. The Expos became the first California team to advance to the American Legion World Series since San Mateo in 2016, returning the Golden State to the national tournament after a decade.

A Championship Run

Fairfield began Western Regional competition with a hard-fought 5-4 victory over League City, Texas, Post 554, followed by a 3-2 win over Reno, Nevada. The Expos then defeated fellow California representative Clovis Post 147, 5-1.

After an 11-5 loss to League City, Fairfield earned another opportunity against the Texas team – this time with the Western Regional Championship and a trip to Shelby on the line.

Trailing 2-0 in the top of the seventh inning, the Expos were down to their final outs. Cole Rodda singled, Jack Armstrong walked, and Sage Nelson was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Aiden Perrin was then hit by a pitch, bringing home Fairfield’s first run.

Royce Baker followed with a two-run single that gave Fairfield the lead. Baker later scored on a wild pitch, completing an incredible four-run rally. Fairfield held on for a 4-3 victory, earning the Western Regional Championship and a trip to the American Legion World Series.

Representing California in Shelby

Fairfield arrived in Shelby with a 40-22-1 record and joined seven other regional champions competing for the American Legion Baseball national championship.

The Expos opened World Series competition against Lincoln, Nebraska, Carpet Land Post 500, falling 4-2 in a competitive game. Fairfield then faced Whitehouse, New Jersey, Post 284, losing another close contest, 3-2.

Although Fairfield did not advance to the semifinal round, its World Series results tell only part of the story. Reaching Shelby represents one of the highest achievements in American Legion Baseball. Teams must advance through demanding state and regional competition before earning the opportunity to compete among the final eight programs in the nation.

More Than a Baseball Championship

American Legion Baseball has always represented more than wins and losses. For more than a century, the program has used baseball to promote teamwork, leadership, discipline, sportsmanship, citizenship and respect among young athletes.

Fairfield demonstrated those values throughout its postseason journey. Facing elimination and trailing in the final inning of the Western Regional championship, the players continued competing until the final out. Their four-run rally demonstrated the perseverance and teamwork that American Legion Baseball seeks to develop in young people.

California Can Be Proud

The Fairfield Expos gave the Department of California and California American Legion Baseball a season to celebrate. They became Western Regional Champions, returned California to the American Legion World Series for the first time in ten years, and competed against some of the finest American Legion Baseball programs in the country.

Behind that accomplishment were coaches, families, volunteers, Legionnaires and supporters who helped provide these young athletes with the opportunity to compete and represent their communities.

Most importantly, the Fairfield Expos represented California with determination, teamwork and pride. Their 2026 season serves as another reminder of why American Legion Baseball remains an important part of The American Legion’s commitment to America’s youth.

Congratulations to the Fairfield Expos – 2026 Western Regional Champions and proud representatives of California at the 99th American Legion World Series.

David Fuller
The American Legion
Chairman, Department of California Baseball Program
Director, California State Championship Baseball Tournament