Page 13 - AL PDF Why Belong_Neat

PILLAR III: AMERICANISM

For those looking to make differences in their local
communities, The American Legion is a great place to
start. From American Legion Baseball to Boys State/
Boys Nation to the Oratorical Contest, there are plenty
of opportunities to make your mark.
Take, for example, the experience of Pat Unger, com-
mander of Tyler Cates American Legion Post 281 in
Mount Juliet, Tenn. Unger’s vision of creating an Ameri-
can Legion Baseball team came true. The post provides
support by supplying uniforms, attending games, serving
refreshments and meeting players’ transportation needs.
“The enthusiasm and camaraderie among the Legion
members and players has been one of the most reward-
ing experiences for everyone,” Unger says. “The experi-
ence of going to a baseball game and knowing that The
American Legion is a driving force behind the teams
is both gratifying and satisfying. American Legion
Baseball is truly a rewarding and fun endeavor for any
American Legion post to be involved with.”
American Legion posts and volunteers like Unger
coordinate each season, culminating with the Ameri-
can Legion World Series in Shelby, N.C., watched by
millions on ESPNU and ESPN3.
More than 55,000 young athletes compete for nearly
3,4000 American Legion Baseball teams each year.
Some of these baseball players go on to play profession-
ally, including more than 85 who have been enshrined
in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.
legion.org/baseball

Relationships are what drive everything – especially in the
game of baseball - and have the opportunity to form that
kind of unity like we did with American Legion Baseball. It’s
just as important as learning to field a ground ball.
– Major League Baseball All-Star Brian Dozier, who played
American Legion Baseball for Post 49 in Tupelo, Miss.

The American Legion | Why You Should Belong 11