FROM STAFF REPORTS

Baseball tournaments in the Birmingham area culminate the playing season for Alabama’s American Legion Baseball program. The varsity and junior varsity tournaments, sponsored by Shelby County, are set for play at Pelham and Thompson high schools’ baseball fields and other Shelby County recreation facilities.

The tournament kicks off on July 11 at 6 p.m. at the Pelham Recreation Center at 2020 Ball Park Road. The American Legion will host players, their families and coaches to a patriotic program and desert social to celebrate the American Legion’s 100th birthday.

Gates open on Friday morning, July 12, at 8:30 a.m. Check out the Alabama American Legion Baseball website for the detailed game schedule to include any changes and updates. JV players are rising 10^th grade students and younger. Varsity players are high school age students that have not graduated. They have at least one season remaining of high school eligibility.

The 19 and under tournament is scheduled for July 18-21 at Rickwood Field, America’s oldest baseball park, at 1137 Second Avenue West in Birmingham and selected local high school fields.

Players in the 19U division are born on or after January 1, 2000. They are current high school students or recent graduates. They may also be first year college students.

The American Legion will kick off the tournament with a dinner and patriotic program for the coaches, players and their families on Thursday, July 18, at 6 p.m. at Rickwood Field. A tour of Rickwood Field will conclude the program.

Pool play starts on Friday, July 19. Each team will play two games in the pool, then begin the single elimination play. Saturday games start at 9 a.m. Check out the Alabama American Legion Baseball website for the detail game schedule, changes and tournament results.

All Legionnaires, Sons and Auxiliary members are invited and encouraged to participate in dinners and tournaments, especially if the post has a team playing. Volunteers are always appreciated. Contact Alan Philips, Alabama American Legion Baseball Program Director, for more information at albaseball@charter.net.