12/04 - some American Legion Baseball notes (unofficial)

12/04 - SECLMW (Jim's) Unofficial Baseball Notes - December 4, 2018

also posted at http://baseballlmw.blogspot.com/

unofficial American Legion stuff (MI) - http://albdistrict2mi.blogspot.com/

* * *

The Herald-Palladium (St Joseph, MI) interviews Three Oaks Post 204 Baseball Manager JC German about their 2019 tournament at West Point (June 26-30 at the United States Military Academy) - https://www.heraldpalladium.com/sports/local/post-headed-to-west-point/article_22591a1d-aff0-5ef4-a983-67d87c5efcf3.html

Need a Christmas gift for a grandchild, niece, nephew? Check with mom and dad - consider a holiday sports camp at a local college or university. And if your in the neighborhood, offer to drive so mom & dad can have some time to themselves!

Some miscellaneous notes -

American Legion Baseball 2018 Department (state) Scholarship Awards ($500 - see link) - https://www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/2018_baseball_scholarship_winners.pdf -

Great Lakes Region schoarship recepients -

Michigan - Andrew Hribar, Adrian Post 275

Illinois - Luc Bressett, Barrington Post 158 - selected for nationel $2,500 scholarship

Indiana - Korbin Zvokel, Muncie Post 19

Ohio - Noah Cline, Circleville Post134

Wisconsin - Jared VanBramer, Sturgeon Bay Post 72

*

Unofficial Calendar - games, camps, outings, showcases, etc.

January 1, 2019 - Tuesday -

*American Legion Baseball team registration opens - https://www.legion.org/baseball/participate

(Most dates / rule books listed below are 2018 (as of 12/04/18))

Michigan - https://www.michiganlegion.org/baseball

Ohio - https://www.ohiolegion.com/programs/baseball/

Indiana - https://www.indianalegion.org/baseball.html

Illinois - https://www.illegion.org/programs-services/youth-family/american-legion-baseball/

Wisconsin - https://wilegion.org/page/content/programs/american-legion-baseball

Minnesota - https://www.minnesotalegionbaseball.com/

Nebraska - https://www.nelegionbaseball.net/

*

January 3, 2019 - Thursday -

*2019 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Convention - Dallas, TX (January 3-6) - https://www.abca.org/ABCA/News/2018/2019_ABCA_Convention_Registration_Now_Open.aspx

January 11, 2019 - Friday -

*2019 Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association (MHSBCA) Convention - Mt Pleasant, MI (January 11-12) - https://cdn4.sportngin.com/attachments/document/cf3f-1715776/2019_MHSBCA_Convention_Brochure.pdf

2019 MHSBCA Convention Lineup -

*FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 -

11:30-12:30 - REGISTRATION - Soaring Eagle Event Center

12:30-1:00 - MARK UYL & BRENT RICE - MHSBCA - “MHSAA Rules”

1:00-1:15 - MHSBCA AWARDS

1:15-2:00 - TURTLE THOMAS - Texas Rangers - “Hitting Drills for Coaches Part 1”

2:00-2:45 - NATE TROSKY - Trosky Baseball - “6th Tool” (not Leon Trotsky?)

2:45-3:30 - TODD COBURN - The Catching Guy - “Footwork and Throwing Success”

3:45-4:30 - GLENN CECCHINI - Barbe HS (LA) - “Building a Program”

6:15-7:00 - DIAMYN HALL - Wright State - “How the Mental Game Impacts Performance”

7:00-7:45 - NATE TROSKY - Trosky Baseball - “The Hunter-6YMR Hitting Philosophy”

7:45-8:30 - TODD COBURN - The Catching Guy - “Catching Progression Drills”

8:45-9:15 - JOE WELTON & AL ZEIHER - Saline HS - “Arm Care” - don't miss this!

9:15-10:00 - TURTLE THOMAS - Texas Rangers - “Catching Drills for Coaches”

*SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2019 -

9:00-9:45 - TURTLE THOMAS - Texas Rangers - “Hitting Drills for Coaches Part 2”

9:45-10:30 - NATE TROSKY - Trosky Baseball - “DM64-Defensive Mental Game”

10:30-11:15 - GLENN CECCHINI - Barbe HS (LA) - “Pitching Philosophy”

*

January 12, 2019 - Saturday -

*2019 Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association (MHSBCA) Convention - Mt Pleasant, MI (January 11-12) - https://cdn4.sportngin.com/attachments/document/cf3f-1715776/2019_MHSBCA_Convention_Brochure.pdf

 

January 17, 2019 - Thursday -

*2019 Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association (OHSBCA) Clinic - Columbus, OH (January 17-19) - https://associationdatabase.com/aws/OHSBCA/pt/sp/clinic

Clinic agenda - https://associationdatabase.com/aws/OHSBCA/asset_manager/get_file/267134?ver=1022

January 18, 2019 - Friday -

*2019 Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association (OHSBCA) Clinic - Columbus, OH (January 17-19) - https://associationdatabase.com/aws/OHSBCA/pt/sp/clinic

Clinic agenda - https://associationdatabase.com/aws/OHSBCA/asset_manager/get_file/267134?ver=1022

January 19, 2019 - Saturday -

*2019 Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association (OHSBCA) Clinic - Columbus, OH (January 17-19) - https://associationdatabase.com/aws/OHSBCA/pt/sp/clinic

Clinic agenda - https://associationdatabase.com/aws/OHSBCA/asset_manager/get_file/267134?ver=1022

 

February 18, 2019 - Monday -

*OHSAA Practice Begins

March 11, 2019 - Monday -

*MHSAA Practice Begins (9 days prior to 1st game)

March 20, 2019 - Wednesday -

*MHSAA First Contest (maximum games - 38 + maximum 8 MHSAA playoff games) - 9 days between first authorized practice and first possible game

March 23, 2019 - Saturday -

*OHSAA Baseball season opens (first contest) - 33 days between first authorized practice and first possible game

(End of OHSAA Basketball tournament - 03/23)

May 5, 2019 - Sunday -

*OHSAA Tournament Draw

May 11, 2019 - Saturday -

*May 11-18 - OHSAA Sectional Tournament

May 20, 2019 - Monday -

*May 20-24 - OHSAA District Tournament

May 28, 2019 - Tuesday -

*May 28 - June 1 - MHSAA District Tournament (2 or 3 games)

May 30, 2019 - Thursday -

*May 30-31 - OHSAA Regional Tournament

May 31, 2019 - Friday -

*May 30-31 - OHSAA Regional Tournament

*May 31 - June 1 - MHSAA District Tournament (2 or 3 games)

June 1, 2019 - Saturday -

*May 28 - June 1 - MHSAA District Tournament (2 or 3 games)

June 5, 2019 - Wednesday -

*June 5-8 - MHSAA Regional Tournament (3 games) - https://www.mhsaa.com/News/Press-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6732/MHSAA-Representative-Council-Adopts-Baseball-Tournament-Change-at-Fall-Meeting

June 6, 2019 - Thursday -

*OHSAA State Semi-Finals in Columbus, OH

*June 5-8 - MHSAA Regional Tournament (3 games)

*Lancaster Post 11 Junior Classic (JR/17u) - Lancaster, OH (6/6-6/9) - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243912/lancaster-post-11-junior-classic

June 7, 2019 - Friday -

*OHSAA State Semi-Finals in Columbus, OH

*June 5-8 - MHSAA Regional Tournament (3 games)

*24th Annual Miami Valley Veterans Appreciation Tournament (SR) - Troy, OH (6/7-6/9) - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243843/24th-annual-miami-valley-veterans-appreciation-tournament

June 8, 2019 - Saturday -

*June 8 - OHSAA State Championships in Columbus

*June 5-8 - MHSAA Regional Tournament (3 games)

June 13, 2019 - Thursday -

*June 13-14 - MHSAA Semifinals at Kobs Field (MSU) - East Lansing, MI

June 14, 2019 - Friday -

*June 13-14 - MHSAA Semifinals at Kobs Field (MSU) - East Lansing, MI

June 15, 2019 -

*June 15 - MHSAA Championships at Kobs Field (MSU) - East Lansing, MI

*June 15 - OHSAA Season Ends

June 27, 2019 - Thursday -

*27th Annual Lancaster Post 11 Classic (SR) - Lancaster, OH - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243913/lancaster-post-11-classic-27th-annual

June 28, 2019 - Friday -

*Conneaut Post 151 Ohio Bruisers InvitationaTournament (SR) - Jefferson, OH - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243150/conneaut-post-151-ohio-bruisers-invitationatournament

*2019 Stars and Stripes Jr. Legion Tournament (JR/17u) - Troy, OH - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243845/2019-stars-and-stripes-jr-legion-tournament

July 12, 2019 - Friday -

*Gopher Classic (SR) - Minnetonka, MN area - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243147/gopher-classic-19u

2018 (not 2019!) web page - http://excelsiorlegionbaseball.pointstreaksites.com/view/excelsior/gopher-classic-4

July 11, 2019 - Thursday -

*Ohio Junior Legion Tournament - Beavers Field, Lancaster Ohio (July 11-14)

July 30, 2019 - Tuesday -

*Ohio American Legion Senior Tournament Showcase Banquet - Lancaster, OH 43130

July 31, 2019 - Wednesday -

*Ohio American Legion Baseball Senior State Championship - Beavers Field, Lancaster OH (07/31-08/04)

August 7, 2019 - Wednesday -

*American Legion Baseball Regionals (08/07 - 08/11) -

Region 1 – Shrewsbury, MA

Region 2 – Asheboro, NC

Region 3 – Tampa, FL

Region 4 – Hastings, NE

Region 5 – Charleston, IL

Region 6 – Sioux Falls, SD

Region 7 – Lewiston, ID

Region 8 – Fairfield, CA

August 15, 2019 - Thursday -

*American Legion World Series - Shelby, NC (08/15-08/20)

* * *

11/27 - SECLMW (Jim's) Unofficial Baseball Notes - November 27, 2018

11/27 - SECLMW (Jim's) Unofficial Baseball Notes - November 27, 2018

also posted at http://baseballlmw.blogspot.com/

unofficial American Legion stuff (MI) - http://albdistrict2mi.blogspot.com/

* * *

Some miscellaneous notes -

2018 American Legion Baseball Champions Wilmington, DE Post 1 attend the MLB World Series as guests of MLB -

*At the games - https://www.legion.org/baseball/243711/delaware-post-1-players-savor-experience-mlb-world-series

*

2018 MLB Post-season award notes - https://www.legion.org/baseball/243971/former-legion-players-take-home-mlb-awards

*Jacob deGrom - National League Cy Young (NY Mets / Deland, FL American Legion Post 6)

*Max Scherzer - National League Cy Young runner-up (Washington Nationals / Creve Coeur, MO American Legion Post 397)

*Justin Verlander - National League Cy Young runner-up (Houston Astros / Powhatan, VA American Legion Post 20 - named 2008 American Legion Graduate of the Year)

*Bob Melvin - American League Manager of the Year (Oakland A's / Palo Alto, CA Post 375 - named 1980 "James F. Daniel Jr. Memorial Sportsmanship Award" at the ALB World Series); *Brian Snitker - National League Manager of the Year (Atlanta Braves / Macon, IL Post 72);

*Jackie Bradley Jr. - American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player and Gold Glove winner (Boston Red Sox / Hopewell, VA Post 146);

*Alex Gordon - American League Gold Glove (Kansas City Royals / Lincoln, NE American Legion Brager Post 3 - named 2015 American Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year);

*

American Legion Baseball / Michigan - https://www.michiganlegion.org/baseball

American Legion Baseball / Ohio - https://www.ohiolegion.com/programs/baseball/

American Legion Baseball / Ohio dates to remember - https://www.ohiolegion.com/wp-content/uploads/2019-dates-to-remember.pdf

American Legion Baseball / National - https://www.legion.org/baseball/participate

Unofficial Calendar - games, camps, outings, showcases, etc.

Some 2019 dates -

June 6, 2019 -

*Lancaster Post 11 Junior Classic (JR/17u) - Lancaster, OH - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243912/lancaster-post-11-junior-classic

June 7, 2019 -

*24th Annual Miami Valley Veterans Appreciation Tournament (SR) - Troy, OH - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243843/24th-annual-miami-valley-veterans-appreciation-tournament

June 27, 2019 -

*27th Annual Lancaster Post 11 Classic (SR) - Lancaster, OH - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243913/lancaster-post-11-classic-27th-annual

June 28, 2019 -

*Conneaut Post 151 Ohio Bruisers Invitational Tournament (SR) - Jefferson, OH - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243150/conneaut-post-151-ohio-bruisers-invitationatournament

*2019 Stars and Stripes Jr. Legion Tournament (JR/17u) - Troy, OH - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243845/2019-stars-and-stripes-jr-legion-tournament

July 12, 2019 -

*Gopher Classic (SR) - Minnetonka, MN area - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243147/gopher-classic-19u

2018 (not 2019!) web page - http://excelsiorlegionbaseball.pointstreaksites.com/view/excelsior/gopher-classic-4

#OHSAA / Ohio High School Athletic Association 2019 Baseball Calendar -

*February 18, 2019 - First Day of Coaching (33 days prior to 1st game)

*March 23 - Season Begins

*April 29 - Non-Interscholastic Date (players restricted to OHSAA baseball)

*May 5 - OHSAA Tournament Draw

*May 11-18 - OHSAA Sectional Tournament

*May 20-24 - OHSAA District Tournament

*May 30-31 - OHSAA Regional Tournament

*June 6-7 - OHSAA State Semi-Finals in Columbus, OH

*June 8 - OHSAA State Championships in Columbus

*June 15 - Season Ends

*

#MHSAA / Michigan High School Athletic Association 2019 Baseball Calendar -

*March 11 - Practice Begins (9 days prior to 1st game)
*March 20 - First Contest (maximum games - 38 + maximum 8 MHSAA playoff games)
*May 28 - June 1 - MHSAA District Tournament (2 or 3 games)

*June 5-8 - MHSAA Regional Tournament (3 games) - https://www.mhsaa.com/News/Press-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6732/MHSAA-Representative-Council-Adopts-Baseball-Tournament-Change-at-Fall-Meeting

*June 13-14 - MHSAA Semifinals at Kobs Field (MSU) - East Lansing, MI
*June 15 - MHSAA Championships at Kobs Field (MSU) - East Lansing, MI

*

#American Legion Baseball 2019 Calendar -

*January 1 - team registration opens

*

*May tbd - American Legion baseball Insurance deadline

*

*June 15 - final day for OHSAA and MHSAA baseball seasons

*June tbd - Michigan team roster / registration submitted to Zone (or District)

*June tbd - Michigan Zone submission of member teams to State for final approval

*

*July 11-14 - Department of Ohio Junior Legion Tournament - Beavers Field, Lancaster Ohio

*TBD - Michigan American Legion Baseball Zone tournaments (5 Zones)

*TBD - Ohio American Legion Baseball Regional tournaments (8 regions)

*TBD - Michigan American Legion Baseball Class A State tournament

*TBD - Michigan American Legion Baseball Class AA State tournament

*July 30 - Department of Ohio Senior Tournament Showcase Banquet - Lancaster, OH 43130

*July 31 - August 4 - Department of Ohio American Legion Baseball Senior State Championship - Beavers Field, Lancaster OH

*

*August 7-11 - American Legion Baseball Regionals -

Region 1 – Shrewsbury, MA

Region 2 – Asheboro, NC

Region 3 – Tampa, FL

Region 4 – Hastings, NE

Region 5 – Charleston, IL

Region 6 – Sioux Falls, SD

Region 7 – Lewiston, ID

Region 8 – Fairfield, CA

*

*August 15-20 - American Legion World Series - Shelby, NC

* * *

11/26 - SECLMW (Jim's) Unofficial Baseball Notes - November 26, 2018

11/26 - SECLMW (Jim's) Unofficial Baseball Notes - November 26, 2018

also posted at http://baseballlmw.blogspot.com/

unofficial American Legion stuff (MI) - http://albdistrict2mi.blogspot.com/

* * *

Football congratulations to Reading HS (Reading, MI) and Edwardsburg HS (Edwardsburg, MI) for MHSAA Football Championships and undefeated seasons.

*2018 MLB Managers of the Year (Bob Melvin (Palo Alto, CA Post 375 and 1980 "James F. Daniel Jr. Memorial Sportsmanship Award" at the ALB World Series) and Brian Snitker (Macon, IL)) discuss American Legion Baseball - https://www.legion.org/baseball/243909/legion-baseball-prepared-melvin-and-snitker-success

American Legion notes -

*What do I like about American Legion Baseball? - a few of the reasons -

(1) It is (generally) local - so I have some idea who "these guys" are;

(2) There is a national structure (with rules) that provides an overall vision;

(3) It is not a business - it is just one of many programs the American Legion has chosen to sponsor;

(4) Many programs are "continuous" - they don't follow one group and then fade away;

(5) It is designed to provide a place to play baseball - and a consistent "post season" structure that requires winning games at the local, state, regional and national level.

(6) Many of the "invitational" (June / early July) tournaments are affordable for teams, located to minimize travel and usually have pretty good food!

(7) Schedules (sometimes with a little coaxing or a little hunting) and rosters are generally available - in some areas media coverage is pretty extensive.

(8) People - coaches, managers, umpires, fans, players and parents.

*

American Legion Baseball / Michigan - https://www.michiganlegion.org/baseball

American Legion Baseball / Ohio - https://www.ohiolegion.com/programs/baseball/

American Legion Baseball / Ohio dates to remember - https://www.ohiolegion.com/wp-content/uploads/2019-dates-to-remember.pdf

American Legion Baseball / National - https://www.legion.org/baseball/participate

Unofficial Calendar - games, camps, outings, showcases, etc.

Some 2019 dates -

June 6, 2019 -

*Lancaster Post 11 Junior Classic (JR/17u) - Lancaster, OH - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243912/lancaster-post-11-junior-classic

June 7, 2019 -

*24th Annual Miami Valley Veterans Appreciation Tournament (SR) - Troy, OH - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243843/24th-annual-miami-valley-veterans-appreciation-tournament

June 27, 2019 -

*27th Annual Lancaster Post 11 Classic (SR) - Lancaster, OH - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243913/lancaster-post-11-classic-27th-annual

June 28, 2019 -

*Conneaut Post 151 Ohio Bruisers InvitationaTournament (SR) - Jefferson, OH - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243150/conneaut-post-151-ohio-bruisers-invitationatournament

*2019 Stars and Stripes Jr. Legion Tournament (JR/17u) - Troy, OH - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243845/2019-stars-and-stripes-jr-legion-tournament

July 12, 2019 -

*Gopher Classic (SR) - Minnetonka, MN area - https://www.legion.org/baseball/tournaments/invitational/243147/gopher-classic-19u

2018 (not 2019!) web page - http://excelsiorlegionbaseball.pointstreaksites.com/view/excelsior/gopher-classic-4

#OHSAA / Ohio High School Athletic Association 2019 Baseball Calendar -

*February 18, 2019 - First Day of Coaching (33 days prior to 1st game)

*March 23 - Season Begins

*April 29 - Non-Interscholastic Date (players restricted to OHSAA baseball)

*May 5 - OHSAA Tournament Draw

*May 11-18 - OHSAA Sectional Tournament

*May 20-24 - OHSAA District Tournament

*May 30-31 - OHSAA Regional Tournament

*June 6-7 - OHSAA State Semi-Finals in Columbus, OH

*June 8 - OHSAA State Championships in Columbus

*June 15 - Season Ends

*

#MHSAA / Michigan High School Athletic Association 2019 Baseball Calendar -

*March 11 - Practice Begins (9 days prior to 1st game)
*March 20 - First Contest (maximum games - 38 + maximum 8 MHSAA playoff games)
*May 28 - June 1 - MHSAA District Tournament (2 or 3 games)

*June 5-8 - MHSAA Regional Tournament (3 games) - https://www.mhsaa.com/News/Press-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6732/MHSAA-Representative-Council-Adopts-Baseball-Tournament-Change-at-Fall-Meeting

*June 13-14 - MHSAA Semifinals at Kobs Field (MSU) - East Lansing, MI
*June 15 - MHSAA Championships at Kobs Field (MSU) - East Lansing, MI

*

#American Legion Baseball 2019 Calendar -

*January 1 - team registration opens

*

*May tbd - American Legion baseball Insurance deadline

*

*June 15 - final day for OHSAA and MHSAA baseball seasons

*June tbd - Michigan team roster / registration submitted to Zone (or District)

*June tbd - Michigan Zone submission of member teams to State for final approval

*

*July 11-14 - Department of Ohio Junior Legion Tournament - Beavers Field, Lancaster Ohio

*TBD - Michigan American Legion Baseball Zone tournaments (5 Zones)

*TBD - Ohio American Legion Baseball Regional tournaments (8 regions)

*TBD - Michigan American Legion Baseball Class A State tournament

*TBD - Michigan American Legion Baseball Class AA State tournament

*July 30 - Department of Ohio Senior Tournament Showcase Banquet - Lancaster, OH 43130

*July 31 - August 4 - Department of Ohio American Legion Baseball Senior State Championship - Beavers Field, Lancaster OH

*

*August 7-11 - American Legion Baseball Regionals -

Region 1 – Shrewsbury, MA

Region 2 – Asheboro, NC

Region 3 – Tampa, FL

Region 4 – Hastings, NE

Region 5 – Charleston, IL

Region 6 – Sioux Falls, SD

Region 7 – Lewiston, ID

Region 8 – Fairfield, CA

*

*August 15-20 - American Legion World Series - Shelby, NC

* * *

November 11, 2018

November 11, 2018

Armistice Day

Remembrance Day

Veterans' Day

Veterans Day - http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

From Robert Laurence Binyon's "For the Fallen" - the "Ode to Remembrance"...

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Full poem (September, 1914) - http://www.greatwar.co.uk/poems/laurence-binyon-for-the-fallen.htm

From the Kohima Monument in Myanmar (ex-Burma) - attributed to John Maxwell Edmonds;

When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say,
For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today

"In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae (May, 1915) - http://www.greatwar.co.uk/poems/john-mccrae-in-flanders-fields.htm

Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery - https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/meuse-argonne-american-cemetery

* * *

November 11 - a reminder

November 11, 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice stopping the fighting in Europe in World War One.

In the United States it is commemorated as Veteran's Day - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_Day - remember we have many military personnel scattered around the world - most we never hear about - and they have families and friends that worry and miss them daily.

In the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth it is generally commemorated as Remembrance Day - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Day

There are also commemorations in France, Germany, Italy and other nations.

All veterans of Word War One are dead.

In the United States there are few "major" memorials - the original "unknown" soldier is from World War One.

The American Battle Monuments Commission administers and maintains the United States military cemeteries over seas - https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials

Why is World War One significant to the United States?  Some items to consider -

* the loss of lives of our troops and the impact on our communities
* the reception and "re-entry" of service personnel after their military service into our communities

* the growth and expansion of the financial and industrial strength of the United States

* the active participation of the United States in European politics (and in world politics)

* the learning ground of many of the military leaders that led the United States in World War Two

* the mobilization of the nation to field, transport and equip a major army for overseas service

* the development of an extensive "Veteran's Administration" to service former service personnel

* significant medical and scientific advances

* international decisions that impacted - and still impact - Europe, the Middle East, Asia and to a lesser extent Africa.

If you are a teacher the United States participation may be a good place to start a discussion of the United States as a world power and the various challenges that resulted.

If you visit Ray Fisher (a World War One veteran) Baseball Stadium on the Michigan Campus you might have noticed a flag pole and memorial near th location of the (now removed) track - https://arts.umich.edu/museums-cultural-attractions/ferry-field-flagpole-and-memorial-plaques/

Michigan's commemoration page - https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/michigan-in-ww1-places.html

Ohio's commemoration page - https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/ohio-in-ww1-places-memorials.html?start=10

Jim Mulchay

09/14 - 2018 American Legion Baseball - Awards / Champions (unofficial)

09/14 - 2018 American Legion Baseball - Awards / Champions (unofficial)

Department of Michigan American legion Baseball - https://www.michiganlegion.org/baseball

Department of Ohio American legion Baseball - https://www.ohiolegion.com/programs/baseball/

American Legion Baseball - https://www.legion.org/baseball

Index -

Department of Michigan Individual Awards

Michigan American Legion Post Individual Awards (as available)

National Champions

Great Lakes Region Department Champions

Michigan & Ohio State Champions (Class A and Junior)

Michigan Class AA and Class A Zone Champions

Ohio Region Champions

American Legion Baseball National Awards

Department of Michigan American Legion Awards -

*Department of Michigan Player of the Year Scholastic Scholarship - Andrew Hribar (Adrian Post 275 - Adrian HS/MI - Adrian College)

*Department of Michigan Robert Turner Scholarship - Clark Nelson (Adrian Post 275 - Clinton HS/MI - Jackson College)

*Department of Michigan KiKi Cuyler Award (MVP Class AA Tournament) - Tyler David (Midland Berryhill Post 165 / Bay City Western/18 - Lansing CC)

*Department of Michigan Hal Newhouser Award (MVP Class A Tournament) - Braeden Lamberg (Gladstone Post 71 / Gladstone HS)

Michigan - Individual American Legion Post Awards -

*Three Oaks Post 204 Butch Schwark scholarship - Hunter Bedell (Three Oaks Post 204 / Edwardsburg/18 - Glen Oaks CC)

*Adrian Post 275 G. Chandler Bond Post 275 Scholarship - Andrew Hribar (Adrian Post 275 - Adrian HS/MI - Adrian College)

*Adrian Post 275 Frank & Shirley Dick Memorial Scholarship - Clark Nelson (Adrian Post 275 - Clinton HS/MI - Jackson College)

*Adrian Post 275 Frank & Shirley Dick Memorial Scholarship - Cory Knapp (Adrian Post 275 - Adrian HS/MI - Siena Heights University)

*Trenton Post 446 2018 MVP - Matt Woolsey (Trenton HS/20);

* * *

2018 American Legion Baseball Champions / National Awards -

National Champions (past National Champions 1926 - 2014) - https://www.legion.org/documents/baseball/national_champions.pdf

American Legion World Series Champion - Wilmington, DE Post 1

Great Lakes Region Champion - Midland Berryhill, MI Post 165

*American Legion World Series Champions 2015-2017 -

2017 - Henderson, NV Post 40

2016 - Texarkana, AR Post 58

2015 - Newberry, SC Post 193

Great Lakes Region Department Champions (past Department Champions 1926 - 2014) - https://www.legion.org/documents/baseball/dept_champions.pdf

Department of Illinois Champion - Mount Prospect Post 525

Department of Indiana Champion - Terre Haute, IN Post 346

Department of Michigan Champion - Midland Berryhill, MI Post 165 - Champion

Department of Ohio Champion - Cirlcleville, OH Post 134

Department of Wisconsin Champion - Sheboygan Post 83

Department of Michigan State Champion Class A -

Gladstone Post 71

Department of Ohio State Champion (Junior) -

Cirlcleville, OH Post 134 (Junior)

Department of Michigan Zone Champions Class AA -

Zone 1 - Fort Dearborn Post 364

Zone 2 - Stevensville Post 568

Zone 3 - Chief Pointiac Post 377

Zone 4 - Midland Berryhill Post 165

Zone 5 - Sault Ste Marie Post 3

Department of Michigan Zone Champions Class A -

Zone 1 - Trenton Post 426

Zone 2 - Hudson Post 180

Zone 3 - no entry

Zone 4 - Gaylord Baseball Club

Zone 5 - Gladstone Post 71

Department of Ohio Region Champions (Senior) -

Region 1 - Pemberville Post 183

Region 2 - Van Wert Post 178

Region 3 - Sandusky Post 83

Region 4 - Utica Post 92

Region 5 - Circleville Post 134

Region 6 - Lancaster Post 11

Region 7 - Jefferson County (Steubenville) Post 33

Region 8 - Beverly / Lowell/OH Post 389/750

2018 American Legion Baseball National Awards

2018 World Series awards announcement - https://www.legion.org/baseball/242955/2018-american-legion-world-series-awards-announced

*2018 All-Academic Team - https://www.legion.org/baseball/242897/2018-american-legion-baseball-all-academic-team-announced

Braiden Ruffin, North Platte, Neb., Post 163 - team captain

Region 1: Eric Langley of Sweeny, N.H., Post 2

Region 2: Matthew Kohan of Newark, Del., Post 10

Region 3: David Borges Jr., of Denver Post 455

Region 4: Grayson Stevens of Russellville, Ark., Post 20

Region 5: Luc Bressett of Barrington, Ill., Post 158

Region 6: Stoene Spilde of Stephen/Argyle, Minn., Post 353

Region 7: Blake Moore of Laramie, Wyo., Post 14

Region 8: David Kelch of Tucson, Ariz., Post 7

*Graduate of the Year - Brian Duensing (Millard South Post 374; Omaha, NE) -

history - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/graduate

article - https://www.legion.org/baseball/242778/cubs-brian-duensing-and-joe-maddon-honored-legion-baseball

*George W. Rulon Player of the Year - Chris Ludman (Wilmington, DE Post 1)

history - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/player

*American Legion Baseball Slugger (batting average) - Sam Link (Dubuque County, IA Post 137)

history - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/player

*American Legion Baseball Big Stick Award (most bases) - Austin Colmery (Wilmington, DE Post 1)

history - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/bigstick

*American Legion Baseball Dr. Irvin L. "Click" Cowger RBI Memorial Award - Bryce Marsh (Randolph County, N.C. Post 45)

history - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/rbi

*American Legion Baseball Bob Feller Pitching Award - Jimmy Gambino (Las Vegas, NV Post 40)

history - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/pitching

*American Legion Baseball James F. Daniel Jr. Memorial Sportsmanship Award - Sam Goodman (Dubuque County, IA Post 137)

history - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/sportsmanship

*American Legion Baseball Jack Williams Memorial Leadership Award - Wilmington, DE Post 1 coaching staff

history - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/leadership

*STAT CREW All-Tournament Team -

1B - Jack Merrifield of Gonzales, La., Post 81

2B - Brayden Caskey of Gonzales, La., Post 81

3B - Edarian Williams of Las Vegas Post 40

SS - Nate Thomas of Wilmington, Del., Post 1

Catcher - Parker Schmidt of Las Vegas Post 40

Utility – Sam Link of Dubuque County, Iowa Post 137

Utility – Eric Ludman from Wilmington Del., Post 1

OF – Austin Colmery from Wilmington Del., Post 1

OF – Jason Sharman from Las Vegas Nev., Post 40

OF – Trevor Marsh from Randolph County, N.C., Post 45

P – Jimmy Gamboa from Las Vegas, Nev., Post 40

P – Sam Goodman of Dubuque County, Iowa Post 137

P – Chris Ludman of Wilmington Del., Post 1

*

08/22 - Wilmington, DE Post 1 wins 2018 American Legion World Series

08/22 - American Legion Baseball World Series - Championship, awards, etc - August 22, 2018

* * *

Tuesday's note - More fine pitching! Delaware Post 1 takes the American Legion Baseball World Series 1-0 in 8 (eight) innings!

Tuesday's Championship - college / high school assignments are mine and may not be accurate!

+G15 - Wilmington Post 1-1 (38-4), Las Vegas Post 40-0 (50-17) - 8 innings

box - https://www.legion.org/uploads/baseball/2018/WS15.pdf

*Las Vegas/40 (0-4-1); SP/nd-Josh Sharman (Desert Oasis/19; 7ip, 0R, 4H, 2BB, 8K); 2nd/LP-Aaron Roberts (Desert Oasis/19 - California; 1/3ip, 1R/1er, 1H, 1BB); 2H (Zach Czerniawski (Desert Oasis/19));

*Wilmington/1 (1-5-0); SP/WP-Chris Ludman (St Marks/17-Delaware; 8ip/cg, 0R, 4H, no-BB, 3K, 1-HBP); 2H (Austin Colmery (St Marks/17); Nate Thomas (St Elizabet/18 - St Joseph)); GWRIBI (Colmery);

*American Legion - https://www.legion.org/baseball/242952/delaware-wins-1st-alws-title-state-history

2018 American Legion Baseball World Series awards - and links to prior winners https://www.legion.org/baseball/242955/2018-american-legion-world-series-awards-announced

*George W. Rulon American Legion Player of the Year Award - Chris Ludman of Wilmington, DE Post 1 - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/player (will be recognized at Cooperstown)

*James F. Daniel Jr. Memorial Sportsmanship Award - Sam Goodman of Dubuque County, IA Post 137 - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/sportsmanship

*Bob Feller Pitching Award - Jimmy Gambino of Las Vegas, NV Post 40 (25 strikeouts) - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/pitching

*Dr. Irvin “Click” Cowger RBI Award - Bryce Marsh of Randolph Coounty, NC Post 45 (15 RBIs) - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/rbi

*American Legion Baseball Slugger Award - Sam Link of Dubuque County, IA Post 137 (.555 batting average) - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/batting

*American Legion Baseball Big Stick Award - Austin Colmery of Wilmington, DE, Post 1 (21 total bases) - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/bigstick

*Jack Williams Memorial Leadership Award – Wilmington, DE, Post 1 coaching staff - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/leadership

*STAT CREW All-Tournament Team –

1B - Jack Merrifield of Gonzales, La., Post 81

2B - Brayden Caskey of Gonzales, La., Post 81

3B - Edarian Williams of Las Vegas Post 40

SS - Nate Thomas of Wilmington, Del., Post 1

Catcher - Parker Schmidt of Las Vegas Post 40

Utility – Sam Link of Dubuque County, Iowa Post 137

Utility – Eric Ludman from Wilmington Del., Post 1

OF – Austin Colmery from Wilmington Del., Post 1

OF – Jason Sharman from Las Vegas Nev., Post 40

OF – Trevor Marsh from Randolph County, N.C., Post 45

P – Jimmy Gamboa from Las Vegas, Nev., Post 40

P – Sam Goodman of Dubuque County, Iowa Post 137

P – Chris Ludman of Wilmington Del., Post 1

*2018 All-Acadenic team - https://www.legion.org/baseball/242897/2018-american-legion-baseball-all-academic-team-announced

Braiden Ruffin, North Platte, Neb., Post 163 - Captain

The regional winners are:

Region 1: Eric Langley of Sweeny, N.H., Post 2

Region 2: Matthew Kohan of Newark, Del., Post 10

Region 3: David Borges Jr., of Denver Post 455

Region 4: Grayson Stevens of Russellville, Ark., Post 20

Region 5: Luc Bressett of Barrington, Ill., Post 158

Region 6: Stoene Spilde of Stephen/Argyle, Minn., Post 353

Region 7: Blake Moore of Laramie, Wyo., Post 14

Region 8: David Kelch of Tucson, Ariz., Post 7

*2018 American Legion Graduate of the Year - Brian Duensing - https://www.legion.org/baseball/awards/graduate

*Two 4-team pools (Stars, Stripes) play round-robin; top 2 from each pool play semi-final and championship games -

*Stars pool -

Las Vegas/NV Post 40 - 2-3 / 50-17 - runner-up

Midland/MI Berryhill Post 165 - 3-1 / 47-10 - 3rd place

Meridian/ID Post 113 - 1-2 / 39-18

Randolph County/NC Post 45 - 1-2 / 30-18

*Stripes pool -

Wilmington/DE Post 1 - 3-1 / 38-4 - American legion World Series Champions

Gonzales/LA Post 81 - 3-1 / 44-7 - 3rd place

Dubuque County/IA Post 137 - 1-2 / 13-5

Braintree/MA Post 86 - 0-3 / 24-11

*

American Legion Baseball main page - https://www.legion.org/baseball

*Team "previews" - https://www.legion.org/baseball/242868/closer-look-eight-teams-alws

American Legion Baseball World Series page - https://americanlegion.sportngin.com/2018alws

August 16 / Thursday -

+G1 - Wilmington/DE Post 1-3 (43-5), Dubuque County/IA Post 137-0 (12-4) -

+G2 - Gonzales/LA Post 81-1 (34-4), Braintree/MA Post 86-0 (24-9) -

+G3 - Midland/MI Berryhill Post 165-7 (45-9), Randolph County/NC Post 45-2 (29-18)

+G4 - Las Vegas/NV Post 40-10 (49-14), Meridian/ID Post 113-0 (38-17) - 5 innings

August 17 / Friday -

+G5 - Gonzales/LA Post 81-5 (35-4), Wilmington/DE Post 1-4 (43-6) -

+G6 - Dubuque County/IA Post 137-9 (13-4), Braintree/MA Post 86-1 (12-10) -

August 18 / Saturday - High School / college assignments are mine - may not be accurate!

+G7 - Midland/MI Berryhill Post 165-3 (46-9), Las Vegas/NV Post 40-2 (49-15) -

August 19 / Sunday -

+G8 - Meridian/ID Post 113-6 (39-17), Randolph County/NC Post 45-4 (29-18)

+G9 - Gonzales/LA Post 81-3 (44-6), Dubuque County/IA Post 137-2 (13-5)

+G10 - Wilmington/DE Post 1-4 (36-4), Braintree/MA Post 86-3 (24-11)

+G11 - Midland/MI Berryhill Post 165-5 (47-9), Meridian/ID Post 113-2 (39-18)

+G12 - Randolph County/NC Post 45-10 (30-18), Las Vegas/NV Post 40-6 (49-16)

August 20 / Monday -

+G13 - Wilmington Post 1-5 (37-4), Midland Berryhill Post 165-4 (47-10) - 10 innings

+G14 - Las Vegas Post 40-6 (50-16), Gonzales Post 81-1 (44-7)

*

Some Media links -

Shelby, NC Star - http://www.shelbystar.com/sports (schedule / scores and game articles)

The American Legion - https://www.legion.org/baseball (recaps for games 1-4)

Las Vegas, NV Review Journal - https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/51sbaseball/las-vegas-team-falls-in-american-legion-title-game/

Delaware Online - https://www.delawareonline.com/story/sports/baseball/2018/08/22/delaware-post-one-wins-american-legion-world-series/1059478002/

WDEL, Wilmington, DE - https://www.wdel.com/news/video-de-post-one-wins-american-legion-world-series-championship/article_3caf63ca-a5a6-11e8-8447-bbb25e5eb35f.html

* * *

08/21 - American Legion Baseball World Series Unofficial Baseball Notes - August 21, 2018

08/21 - American Legion Baseball World Series Unofficial Baseball Notes - August 21, 2018

* * *

Monday's note - some fine pitching! Delaware Post 1's Jack Dubecq was perfect for 6 innings against Midland Berryhill Post 165 and Las Vegas Post 40's Jimmy Gamboa threw a complete game 1-hitter against Gonzales Post 81.

Tuesday's Championship -

+G15 - Wilmington Post 1 vs Las Vegas Post 40 - 7pm ESPNU / ESPN3

*

2018 American Legion Baseball World Series -

*Two 4-team pools (Stars, Stripes) play round-robin; top 2 from each pool play semi-final and championship games -

*Stars pool -

Las Vegas/NV Post 40 - 2-2 / 50-16 - advances to championship

Midland/MI Berryhill Post 165 - 3-1 / 47-10 - 3rd place

Meridian/ID Post 113 - 1-2 / 39-18

Randolph County/NC Post 45 - 1-2 / 30-18

*Stripes pool -

Wilmington/DE Post 1 - 3-1 / 37-4 - advances to championship

Gonzales/LA Post 81 - 3-1 / 44-7 - 3rd place

Dubuque County/IA Post 137 - 1-2 / 13-5

Braintree/MA Post 86 - 0-3 / 24-11

*

American Legion Baseball main page - https://www.legion.org/baseball

*Team "previews" - https://www.legion.org/baseball/242868/closer-look-eight-teams-alws

American Legion Baseball World Series page - https://americanlegion.sportngin.com/2018alws

August 16 / Thursday -

+G1 - Wilmington/DE Post 1-3 (43-5), Dubuque County/IA Post 137-0 (12-4) -

+G2 - Gonzales/LA Post 81-1 (34-4), Braintree/MA Post 86-0 (24-9) -

+G3 - Midland/MI Berryhill Post 165-7 (45-9), Randolph County/NC Post 45-2 (29-18)

+G4 - Las Vegas/NV Post 40-10 (49-14), Meridian/ID Post 113-0 (38-17) - 5 innings

August 17 / Friday -

+G5 - Gonzales/LA Post 81-5 (35-4), Wilmington/DE Post 1-4 (43-6) -

+G6 - Dubuque County/IA Post 137-9 (13-4), Braintree/MA Post 86-1 (12-10) -

August 18 / Saturday - High School / college assignments are mine - may not be accurate!

+G7 - Midland/MI Berryhill Post 165-3 (46-9), Las Vegas/NV Post 40-2 (49-15) -

August 19 / Sunday -

+G8 - Meridian/ID Post 113-6 (39-17), Randolph County/NC Post 45-4 (29-18)

+G9 - Gonzales/LA Post 81-3 (44-6), Dubuque County/IA Post 137-2 (13-5)

+G10 - Wilmington/DE Post 1-4 (36-4), Braintree/MA Post 86-3 (24-11)

+G11 - Midland/MI Berryhill Post 165-5 (47-9), Meridian/ID Post 113-2 (39-18)

+G12 - Randolph County/NC Post 45-10 (30-18), Las Vegas/NV Post 40-6 (49-16)

*

August 20 / Monday - college / high school assignments are mine and may not be accurate!

+G13 - Wilmington Post 1-5 (37-4), Midland Berryhill Post 165-4 (47-10) - 10 innings

box - https://www.legion.org/uploads/baseball/2018/WS13.pdf

*Wilmington/1 (5-10-0); SP/nd-Jack Dubecq (St Marks/18 - Delaware; 6-1/3ip, 4R/4er, 2H, 3BB, 3K, 1-HBP); 2nd-Nate Thomas (St Elizabeth/18 - St Joseph; 1-1/3ip, 0R, 1H, 1BB, 1K); 3rd/WP-Marshall Awtry (Conrad/18 - Goldey-Beacom; 2-1/3ip, 0R, 2H, 2K); 2H (Matt Poma (Salesianum/18); Michael Cautillo (Salesianum/18); Chris Ludman (St Marks/17-Delaware)); 2RBI (Chris Ludman); 2B (Thomas; Jon Golebiowski (Dealaware Military Academy/18));

*Midland Berryhill/165 (5-4-2); SP/nd-Derek Beougher (Bullock Creek/20; 3-2/3ip, 2R/0er, 2H, 5BB, 4K); 2nd/LP-Evan Schlatter (Bay City Western/19; 6-1/3ip, 3R/3er, 8H, 2BB, 5K); 2H (Martin Money (Midland HS/18 - Saginaw Valley); Seth Gower (Bay City Western/18 - Lansing CC)); 2RBI (Gower); 2B (Gower);

*Jim's unofficial notes:

(1) Wilmington Post 1 - better key hitting, no errors, fewer walks allowed (although it got close!);

a) Scored two runs off of 3 walks and a two-out infield error in the 3rd;

b) Scored two runs with a 2-out single in the 6th;

c) Scored the go-ahead run with a 2-out single in the 10th;

d) the last four spots in the batting order went 7/16, 3R, 3RBI;

(2) Midland Berryhill Post 165 - too many walks allowed; not enough clutch hitting; failure to "secure" the baseball tagging baserunners -

a) Midland's 4-run rally in the 4th was fueled by two hits, four walks and one hit batter - bases loaded (tie game ath that point) with one out and could not score;

b) Midland had base hits in the 8th, 9th and 10th but could not score;

c) Give Delaware credit - for the first six innings Jack Dubecq was perfect!

*

+G14 - Las Vegas Post 40-6 (50-16), Gonzales Post 81-1 (44-7)

box - https://www.legion.org/uploads/baseball/2018/WS14.pdf

*Las Vegas/40 (6-8-2); SP/WP-Jimmy Gamboa (Rancho/18 - Southern Nevada; 7ip/cg, 1R/1er, 1H, 3BB, 9K); 2H (Jason Sharman-3 (); Chaison Miklich (Desert Oasis/18 - Southern Nevada); Gamboa); 2RBI (Miklich-3); HR (Miklich/2R); 2B (Gamboa);

*Gonzales/81 (1-1-1); SP/LP-Jack Merrifield (Dutchtown/18 - LSU-Eunice; 4-2/3ip, 6R/5er, 6H, 2BB, 3K); 2nd-Austin Bankert (Dutchtown/18; 1-1/3ip, 0R, 1H, 2BB, 1K); 3rd-Blaise Foote (East Ascension/19; 1ip, 0R, 1H); Preston Thrash (East Ascansion/18) had the only hit;

*Jim's unofficial note - past my bedtime!

August 21 / Tuesday -

+G15 / Championship - Wilmington Post 1 vs Las Vegas Post 40 - 7pm ESPNU / ESPN3

*

Some Media links -

Shelby, NC Star - http://www.shelbystar.com/sports (schedule / scores and game articles)

The American Legion - https://www.legion.org/baseball (recaps for games 1-4)

Midland Daily News (game article) - https://www.ourmidland.com/sports/article/Berryhill-falls-in-World-Series-semifinals-13170175.php

Dubuque Telegraph-Herald - http://www.telegraphherald.com/sports/local_sports/article_1c17b212-8d3a-5b41-a1af-db9583c3b264.html?

Las Vegas, NV Review Journal - https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/51sbaseball/las-vegas-team-reaches-legion-world-series-final/

WDEL, Wilmington, DE - https://www.wdel.com/sports/de-post-one-outlasts-michigan-to-earn-spot-in-american/article_25cb4f10-a4c1-11e8-bbff-2f293c114264.html

Crescent City Sports - https://crescentcitysports.com/gauthier-amadee-falls-short-in-american-legion-world-series-semifinals/

Salisbury Post - https://www.salisburypost.com/2018/08/20/legion-baseball-delaware-nevada-reach-championship-game/

* * *