The 2024 American Legion World Series Championship Game
By: Roger Sigmon – Wise News Network
Shelby, NC (WNN) – Approximately 5400 teams, including 97,000 players, began the 2024 American Legion Baseball season in May. Tonight, on August 20, 2024, only two teams remained, each consisting of 36 players competing for an American Legion World Series national championship. During pregame, fans were treated to an amazing sky-diving display performed by the US Army Golden Knights and a flyover by three vintage T-28 warbirds. The air was crackling with excitement as fans eagerly grabbed food and drinks from the concession stands before settling into their seats. Players worked out last-minute jitters by tossing a football or running in place. The much-anticipated moment had arrived after six days of waiting, and as the game entered the seventh inning, a champion would soon be determined. As the echoes of the National Anthem subsided, the familiar call resounded through the stadium; “Play ball!”
Free Admission Banner displayed – Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium, Shelby NC 8-20-2024 by Roger Sigmon (WNN)
Just like the previous fourteen games of the tournament, the Championship game was thrilling and action-packed. A generous donor had bought out the stadium in appreciation for record ticket sales for the ALWS, which allowed everyone a chance to attend this spectacular event for free! The championship game was a game any baseball fan would have gladly paid full admission to see. The title match lived up to all expectations and then some.
Midland, Michigan Post 165 and Troy, Alabama Post 70 squared off as two of the country’s best teams, and the action showed they both deserved to be there. Michigan had cruised through the tournament to post a 4-0 record, while Alabama had knocked off some outstanding teams, including defending champion Texas, to finish 3-1 heading into the finals.
Michigan struck first in the bottom of the third when Aidan Robinson doubled off the right-center field wall. Cayden Smith singled down the third base line, Nathan Ball was intentionally walked, and Cayden Nieto drove in the run. Michigan had the lead 1-0 after three innings in what looked to be a very low-scoring tight ball game. Would the one run be enough to win? Michigan adds another run on a single from Aidan Robinson to score Tanner Sanntag. Michigan was now ahead 2-0.
After an error and giving up a single to Gunner Justice, Michigan’s starting pitcher, Chad Brown, left the game with a 2-0 lead. Alabama took advantage to tie the game with a sacrifice fly from Cody Walsh and a one-run single from Haze McCorkel. After a scoreless bottom of the fifth, the score remained knotted at 2-2.
Alabama was threatening in the top of the seventh inning. The bases were loaded after Matt Snell singled. Four pitches later, Caden Collier was hit in the back with a pitch, and Evan Taylor added a base hit. Cody Markham flew out to center, and Gunner Justice recorded the second out with poop up to second base. With two away, relief pitcher Brett Faccio might get out of this jam. Cody Walsh then pops up a foul ball just to the right side between Homeplate and first base. A misjudged attempt to put the foul ball away would become the difference in the ball game. After getting his at-bat extended, Walsh singles, Blake Wynn adds another single, and Haze McCorkel becomes the second batter in the inning to be hit by a pitch. After what should have been the final out, Alabama takes full advantage and tallies three more runs to move ahead 5-2.
Michigan was the designated home team, so they had one more shot to tie or win the game in the bottom of the inning. Nathan Ball drills a 352-foot solo homerun to cut the deficit to 5-3. Would Michigan produce two more runs and go into extra innings, or score three for a walk-off win? It was not to be as the next two batters, Nieto and Sequin, would hit into outs, ending the game and resulting in Troy, Alabama Post 70, capturing their second National Championship in three years.
Troy, Alabama Post 70 – 2024 American Legion World Series Champions – Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium, Shelby NC (ALWS)
Congratulations, Alabama and Michigan, for a great game and tournament. It is evident that many of these young men will have great colligate careers. In a few years, we may see some of them in a College World Series or even the MLB. Thank you to all the teams, coaches, and players for a spectacular 2024 American Legion World Series.
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