Highlighting the Players of the 2024 American Legion World Series

By: Roger Sigmon – Wise News Network

Shelby, NC (WNN) –

The American Legion World Series could not exist without its heartbeat made up of players, coaches, fans, volunteers, broadcasters, and countless others. During the six-day tournament, I will feature a few of these individuals, giving you a glimpse inside the mindset of what makes this organization stand out from others in the world of amateur baseball. I have been impressed with the attitude, enthusiasm, and love of country and baseball of the people I have interacted with on the field, in the stands, and behind the scenes. Baseball is a very long-standing American tradition and pastime. Fathers and sons have bonded for generations through the love of the game, and now moms and daughters are also following the game. 

On opening day, I sat in the stands, tracking each game with a scorecard. However, I was also tracking conversations of those sitting near me or as I trolled along the concourse between games. I met some fans who have traveled to the ALWS for several years and enjoy supporting the American Legion as they pull for teams they don’t even know. One couple spends their vacation time camping at nearby Moss Lake each year and attending the games. Many will select a favorite team and adopt them as their team after watching opening day games; a few seek out coaches or players to congratulate or for photo opportunities. Each person has their own reason for attending. The most interesting conversation I heard was between two teenage girls and their guardians. The girls were picking teams to root for based solely on how cute the players were. I laughed when I overheard them recalling how they stood behind the dugout and wrote down all the player’s names and numbers as they were introduced during pregame. As I said earlier, everyone has their reasons for watching the games.

All fans witness the skill and talent of the players during the game; that is an obvious part of the event. Family, friends, and fans from the teams’ local area have connections to the players and know them to varying degrees. Unfortunately, those of us who need to become more familiar with the competing teams or their players miss an opportunity to learn about some young men who are incredibly talented and have intriguing futures. It is easy to forget these young men are high school and college students at a crossroads in their lives as they select paths to forge their futures. I am attempting to capture a sneak peek of some of the players during the brief interactions I have with them between games. Let’s look at three from opening day.

League City, Texas, first baseman #2, Brice Smith, is in his final year of eligibility for American Legion baseball. He could not have picked a better way to begin his final tournament. Fargo, North Dakota, kept pace with the defending champions when Smith stepped to the plate with two outs.  Finding a fastball in his sweet spot, he lifted a 325-foot shot to right field that cleared the bases, scoring three runs. This was the first home run of this year’s series and would be the spark to ignite a 7-3 victory. After the game, I caught up with the likable and well-mannered Smith. I asked him how he felt knowing he had just hit the first home run of the series and helped propel his team to the win. “It felt great! I mean, it’s been a while since I have gotten one. I found a fastball that I could hit and got on it!” His contagious smile was still radiating as he recalled the moment. I went on to inquire about his future plans. I knew he played on last year’s championship team, so I expected to hear about which college he would play for, but his answer was not what I was prepared to hear. “Believe it or not, this is actually my last run at baseball. I am pursuing a career in academics right now. That’s what my future holds for me. I will be studying out of Texas City, Texas, doing process technology.” Baseball might be losing some talent. However, the tech world is gaining an intelligent young man, and if his academic career is as successful as his on-the-field career, we will all benefit.

Next, I caught up with a young man from game one on the other side of the coin. Fargo, North Dakota’s #16, Jonah Dejong, was one of the relief pitchers. Unfortunately, his competitive outing was not enough to help his team overcome the damage already inflicted by Texas bats. Dejong made the most of his time on the mound, pitching the game’s final two innings. Facing eight batters, he allowed no runs, one hit, one walk, struck out one, and stranded two runners on base. He even accomplished what the other two pitchers could not, keeping Brice Smith off base. Previously, Smith was 2-2 with a home run, a single, and a walk. It was a tremendous performance when entering the game trailing by four runs. 

Admittingly, I am apprehensive to approach a player who has just played their heart out, yet it was not enough to win. I have been on both sides of the spectrum of athletic competition and know how to approach players and which topics to avoid. After interviewing Mr. Dejong, I came away thankful that I did not shy away from seeking to interact. I was amazed at his poise and how he processed the unenviable position he was placed in against early tournament favorite League City. 

Jonah also occasionally plays first base and is in the rotation as a relief pitcher. Knowing he would still be down about not coming away with a victory, I chose the safe route and asked him to sum up how he felt about American Legion baseball and the opportunity to play. His reply captures the true spirit of this organization. “It means a lot. It really helps to honor those that were before us and also the veterans that are here. I also think it is incredible competition. I really love it!” 

As we continued talking, I learned this young man is gifted academically and a super senior. The simplest definition is a student who has more than enough credits to graduate as a senior but chooses to continue their secondary education for various reasons. I immediately understood his command on the pitcher’s mound; his intelligence aided in his reading of the hitters he would face; it is easy to forget that arm strength and control are only parts of being a successful pitcher; strategy and predicting a batter’s thought process are key elements as well. 

I asked if his future plans included baseball or just academic pursuits. He responded, “Yes, college baseball and I still have a super senior year left as well. I plan to come back to play more legion baseball.” I inquired as to whether he had committed to any college program yet. “Yes, Alexandria College, a technical college  in Minnesota.” Another young man with future goals already mapped out. I wish him well as he becomes the success I know he will be.

The final player I interviewed was Midland, Michigan’s starting pitcher #21 Chad Brown. He was one of two starting pitchers to throw for a complete game on day one. Wow! What a game he pitched. His team rode his arm in a 3-0 victory over a surprising Bossier City, Louisiana team. He helped seal the victory with his eleven strikeouts and two walks while allowing only three hits in the only shutout of the day. 

The main thing that struck me about his responses as we chatted was his selflessness and how he continued to deflect any accolades onto his teammates. I immediately thought, this guy is the very definition of a team player. Having coached for many years, I can honestly say he is a coach’s dream. He is a great player who acknowledges that his teammates make him a better player, and without them, he would not succeed. 

I approached his interview, saying that he had just pitched eleven strikeouts, with three hits allowed and two walks, but a shutout as well. Oh, and a win. I told him I would ask the obvious question: how do you feel? He gave a big smile before answering, “It feels amazing, I mean really amazing! I mean, I could not have done it without my teammates behind me; oh, the man above, it would not be possible.” I probed a little further, asking about his mindset. Was he feeling in a zone? “I felt really good, yep, I felt it out; I mean, my catcher, #9, Cayden Nieto, was sealing strikes for me. It was awesome, just a great feeling.” Inquiring about future plans, I was hoping his plans included college baseball, and they do. He answered, “I’m going to play baseball at CMU. Central Michigan.”

Three players from diverse areas of the country brought together with one dream and one goal. I am thankful they are able to showcase their talent on a national stage. Unfortunately, only one team will take home the trophy inscribed with the words “Champion.” That does not mean the other seven are losers or anything less than champions. They have all proven to be champions, with their on-the-field accomplishments on the road to Shelby, NC, and their journeys in life. This is what your support of the American Legion Baseball program helps to accomplish.

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