Fans of the 2024 American Legion World Series
By: Roger Sigmon – Wise News Network
Shelby, NC (WNN) – Fans from all over the country descended upon Shelby, NC, to experience the 2024 American Legion World Series. What an experience they were treated to during the six days of the tournament. This year’s tournament provided some of the most exciting baseball the tournament has seen in recent years. There were many close games, outstanding pitching and defense, five home runs, and even a multi-record-setting fourteen-inning game.
During the four days of pool play, local fans still decide which team to cheer on, while vocal fans from each participating team ensure their support is known. During the first four days, I would say North Dakota and Texas had the largest and most enthusiastic fan bases, with Louisiana a close runner-up. Being a neutral observer and sitting among the fans is very interesting. The age of fans this year ranged from four months to 96 years old. Baseball is still family entertainment. Many of the players’ relatives said they chose the American Legion over other baseball programs due to the support of veterans, their love for country, and the integrity and character taught. Many of the fathers and grandfathers had themselves played American Legion Baseball.
I had conversations with several fans and got to know a little about their backgrounds and why they attend the ALWS. Jenelle and Melvin Daniel are originally from West Virginia; they now live in Belmont, NC. Her father is a marine and loves the American Legion and the ALWS. This is their fifth time attending Shelby’s games.
I met Glen and his wife Marilyn in 2022 and have lived near them for the past three tournaments. Glen served in the US Air Force and has been a member of the American Legion for fourteen years. They travel from Concord, NC, each year to take part in the tournament.
I talked with Troy Thomas from Cherryville, NC, several times. He could be found relaxing in his rocking chair, enjoying his twenty-fifth ALWS. He has traveled to Oklahoma, Las Vegas, Florida, and, of course, Shelby, among other places, to witness this event. He is a former American Legion player from the 1950s and loves the game. He can recite the history of past tournaments and of Cherryville Post 100 teams.
New friendships and bonds are made during the games throughout the week. Several fans and friends teased Jerry Millwood about eating peanut butter daily. On Monday, he told the group sitting around him he would bring peanut butter and crackers for each of them on Tuesday. True to his word, he handed out small baggies of the treats to those he had shared space with the past few days. Jerry and I learned we had attended the same high school for a year together. Jerry is originally from Bessemer City, NC, and resides near Casar, NC.
I ran into Todd Landers, former Bessemer City High School, Gastonia American Legion player, and former American Legion Kings Mountain, NC team coach. During our conversation, we discovered I graduated high school with his sister. Both Kevin and Horace are veterans and retired US Posta Service letter carriers. You never know who you might meet. It is fun hanging out with some of the same people year after year and meeting new folks. Much time is spent together at the ball field, so many opportunities exist to make new friends and learn more about older acquaintances.
Listening to and watching random strangers as they develop bonds and friendships can be interesting and entertaining. Everyone present already has the common bond of baseball, so there is no need for icebreakers. Common ground has already been established. Parents and grandparents love to talk about their children and grandchildren, so a simple question of which player they are connected to can lead to lengthy conversations and, thus, the beginnings of getting to know each other.
Spending so much time together each day during the week allows for plenty of engagement and interaction with others. By the final game, many people have exchanged phone numbers, email addresses, social media information, and other contact information. The last day is bittersweet, knowing you will not see your new friends for at least another year. Laughter, hugs, high fives, wishes for safe travel, and even tears were exchanged. You have just begun to know your new “family,” and now you are saying goodbye. American Legion Baseball has established community and fellowship. It has been nice for you to have forgotten about politics, the economy, and other troubles for a week as you enjoyed one of America’s oldest and richest traditions. As a fan, hopefully, your experience has been positive and enjoyable. You may have enjoyed some good food, made new friends, and cheered your team to victory or a hard-fought game. Remember, your support of the American Legion has given you and others this opportunity. Thank you, and see you again at the 2025 ALWS.
Editors Note: WNN would like to thank Roger Sigmon for his hard work ensuring everyone was updated by providing information and articles during the 2024 ALWS. Roger did not miss an inning, stayed late some days, and dodged the storms. Also, thank you to everyone who provided information for the articles. Sincerely, Rusty Wise – WNN Editor
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