"Baseball Battles Cancer" is an initiative tied to American Legion Baseball, aimed at raising awareness and funds for cancer research through the sport. Founded by PJ and Elizabeth Arway in 2013, it began as "The Mighty 10th Battles Cancer" and has since grown into an annual event that leverages the passion for baseball—particularly within the American Legion community—to fight cancer. PJ, with nearly two decades of involvement in American Legion Baseball as a player, coach, and general manager, combined his love for the game with a personal drive to combat cancer after losing family members to the disease. All proceeds from the initiative support the Jason Motte Foundation, which focuses on cancer research and assistance for those affected.

The main event typically occurs in June at Ballwin Athletic Association in Missouri, featuring baseball tournaments and related activities. Beyond fundraising, the program educates players, families, and fans about cancer warning signs and treatments, using youth baseball and softball to foster community engagement. American Legion Baseball, a tradition since 1925, provides a fitting platform for this cause, with its focus on sportsmanship, citizenship, and community service aligning with the initiative’s goals. The 2025 event, coinciding with the league’s 100th anniversary, may carry added significance, though specific details for this year aren’t yet widely publicized as of March 30, 2025.

In 2025, the tournament is scheduled to take place from Thursday, June 12, to Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the Ballwin Athletic Association Park in Ballwin, Missouri.  baapark.org

This event features a 12 team American Legion Baseball Tournament, with all proceeds benefiting the Jason Motte Foundation, an organization committed to cancer research and assistance.  Since its inception, Baseball Battles Cancer has raised over $180,000 for cancer research and support. The event not only provides financial assistance but also educates young players and the community about cancer awareness and prevention. 

For more information on the tournament schedule, participating teams, and how to get involved, please visit the official Baseball Battles Cancer website.

baseballbattlescancer.com

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Voting begins April 27 on the Legion Baseball X account.

In honor of the centennial of American Legion Baseball, fans can vote for the All-Centennial Team.

A total of 92 nominees, including all of the 86 former American Legion Baseball players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as players or coaches, were presented to the American Legion Baseball Committee, which pared the list down to 60 for a fan vote. 

Beginning April 27, go to x.com/LegionBaseball to vote by position. The All-Centennial Team will be announced July 11 in conjunction with the Centennial Classic in Milbank, S.D., the birthplace of American Legion Baseball.

The finalists are as follows: 

Catchers: Johnny Bench, Yogi Berra, Gary Carter, Carlton Fisk, Mike Piazza, Iván Rodríguez 

First Basemen: Jeff Bagwell, Harmon Killebrew, Albert Pujols, Eddie Murray, Willie Stargell, Jim Thome 

Second Basemen: Roberto Alomar, Paul Molitor, Joe Morgan, Ryne Sandberg 

Shortstops: Barry Larkin, Pee Wee Reese, Alan Trammell, Robin Yount 

Third Basemen: Wade Boggs, George Brett, Chipper Jones, Eddie Mathews, Brooks Robinson 

Outfielders: Barry Bonds, Tony Gwynn, Reggie Jackson, Al Kaline, Ralph Kiner, Stan Musial, Frank Robinson, Ted Williams, Dave Winfield, Carl Yastrzemski 

Starting Pitchers: Bert Blyleven, Jim Bunning, Steve Carlton, Roger Clemens, Don Drysdale, Bob Feller, Bob Gibson, Roy Halladay, Greg Maddux, Phil Niekro, Jim Palmer, Gaylord Perry, Tom Seaver, Warren Spahn, Justin Verlander 

Relief Pitchers: Rollie Fingers, Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith, Bruce Sutter, Hoyt Wilhelm 

Coaches: Sparky Anderson, Bobby Cox, Tony LaRussa, Joe Torre, Earl Weaver 

The 32 remaining nominees, considered honorable mentions to the team, are: Dick Allen, Richie Ashburn, Harold Baines, Lou Boudreau, Roy Campanella, Bobby Doerr, Nellie Fox, Tom Glavine, Joe Gordon, Bryce Harper, Whitey Herzog, Gil Hodges, Catfish Hunter, George Kell, Bob Lemon, Jim Leyland, Don Mattingly, Joe Mauer, Fred McGriff, Joe Medwick, Jack Morris, Mike Mussina, Hal Newhouser, Tim Raines, Jim Rice, Robin Roberts, Scott Rolen, C.C. Sabathia, Ron Santo, Ted Simmons, Dick Williams, and Early Wynn.