2010 Age Guidelines...

Well once again this year, toward the end of the season, I had heard all the rumors by fans that "they were sure", "they had heard", "it was a done deal",,, that college players or anyone 19 YO could no longer play legion ball. Before folks criticize legion ball, you have to remember, this isn't some area commissioner, or even a state commissioner, or even tj21 himself making up these rules as we go along,,,,, American Legion is a national program, with officers who vote on all rule changes.

It appears 19 YO's and/or college players WILL still be eligible...

... "Player Eligibililty: ALB competition in 2010 is open only to players born on or after January 1, 1991. Clarification- Any player born in 1990 is NOT eligible to play ALB. Players in college who meet our age deadline shall be eligible for the 2010 season. Players in college MUST PLAY for previous Legion team."
... "Note: Jr.Legion ball falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Department organization. Any question concerning Jr.Legion Baseball is directed to the Department (state) Baseball Chairman".

(FYI: The term "Department" refers to each state.)

source: National American Legion Website http://www.baseball.legion.org (Look under News)

 

*** Players born in 1991 or 1992 must play Senior Legion,,, these players may not be allowed to participate in Junior Legion whatsoever.

*** Players 13 and under are not eligible to play American Legion Baseball.


link:

http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/baseball_age_chart.pdf

 

tj, I heard the same thing and was relieved that the age requirements were changing, however you certainly busted my bubble. Now this is just my opinion, A 19 yr old college freshman should not be playing on a team with High School students, much less 13 yr olds. This is one of the reasons, "travel ball" teams are so successful and ALB continues to lose players to those programs. What kid wants to sit on the bench watching college players, when he could be playing with kids his own age? I also wonder what the younger kids are learning from these college players, being on a college campus for a year and attending High School is like night and day.
ALB has a proud tradition and I love everything the AL stands for, but I really think this is a bad move.
As far as JR Legion is concerned, what if your area Post doesn't have a team? Why can't they play for another local Post? Or have county teams, I thought the Jr Legion was a great idea, why is it not taking off like I thought it would?
Anyway I know you are not responsible for any of this, just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents, thanks for all your work and dedication to the ALB program.

 

Not sure what area you are from, but in Area III Junior Legion has doubled in teams in the last 2 years. It now has over 30 teams. A lot of HS coaches have formed teams for their JV and rising 9th graders. I think there is 5 or 6 new teams this year.

I also don't know of any 13 yr. olds playing with 19's. Now, don't get me wrong I also am not in favor of the 19's playing, but it is the rule and that is what we have.

 

Sorry, just to clear up what I meant. Cut off ages minimum 13 yrs to maximum 19 yrs and trust me it has happened. I am a proud vet and looked forward to the day my son could have a chance to play ALB. I just think he would enjoy Jr Legion better, he's not a superstar stud and probably has no shot making a team loaded with college players and that's the mindset of many of the kids in our community. He will give it a shot though, because he knows what an honor it is to represent not only his community, but what the AL stands for.

 

Weyco,

I am assuming that Kannapolis does not have a Junior program, am I correct?

Thank you for your service to our country!

 

Weyco,,,,
1- Kannapolis does not have a Junior Legion team really for 2 simple reasons: a) finances, and b) nobody has stepped forward to run it. It is simply a MAJOR UNDERTAKING to run a baseball team from start to finish (ie uniforms, where are they gonna play, travel, sponsors, equipment, etc).

2- Since we don't have a junior legion team, the younger players in our area may go play for next closest junior program (South Rowan or Concord). Players simply cannot be on someone else's Senior Legion roster without proper releases, but playing for someone else's junior program is ok.

3- no 13 year olds have ever been on the Kannapolis Legion roster, not since 2001 anyhow. May have tried out, may have even played some, but was never on final roster.

4- You and I agree about the college freshman rule, but American Legion is a national organization and since it is in the rules that 19's can play, we allow it.

 

tj - I see and agree with you on all points, I have sent an e-mail to National Director with my concerns. Didn't mean to make it sound like your fault, however I was still under the impression the age requirements had been changed. I guess I was late arriving to the "dance", thanks for the info. Kannapolis @ Concord 1st round game not looking to good for tonight, talk to you later.

 

To Tj21

It is an interesting quote you have in your first post, may I ask where you got it?
"Note: Jr.Legion ball falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Department organization. Any question concerning Jr.Legion Baseball is directed to the Department (state) Baseball Chairman".

 

Wow, Ask your question, don't make us read threads.