Missouri American Legion State Championship Tournament Set to Thrill at Newly Renovated Liberty Park in Sedalia
Sedalia, MO – Baseball fans across Missouri are gearing up for an electrifying showdown as the 19U - Senior Missouri American Legion State Championship Tournament returns to Sedalia from July 24-27, 2025. Hosted at the newly renovated Liberty Park, this prestigious event promises intense competition, community spirit, and a celebration of American Legion Baseball’s 100th anniversary.
The tournament, organized by the Missouri American Legion Baseball program, will feature top 19U teams from across the state vying for the coveted state title and a chance to advance to the Mid-South Regional Tournament. Tournament Director Conner Spunaugle is overseeing preparations, ensuring a seamless experience for players, coaches, and fans. “We’re thrilled to bring the state championship back to Sedalia,” Spunaugle said. “The upgrades at Liberty Park will provide an incredible stage for these talented athletes to showcase their skills.”
Liberty Park, a historic venue in Sedalia, has undergone significant renovations to enhance the fan and player experience. Upgrades include modernized seating, improved lighting, and revamped field conditions, making it a premier destination for baseball in Missouri. “The city of Sedalia has done an outstanding job transforming Liberty Park,” said Spunaugle. “It’s the perfect setting to celebrate a century of American Legion Baseball.”
The four-day tournament will kick off on Thursday, July 24, with opening-round games, followed by a double-elimination format leading to the championship game on Sunday, July 27. Historically, the event has delivered nail-biting moments, with past tournaments at Liberty Park seeing dramatic comebacks and one-run victories. In 2022, Jefferson City Post 5 Seniors clinched their spot in the regional tournament after back-to-back one-run wins at the Sedalia venue, highlighting the high stakes and competitive spirit of the event. 2023 Champs - Washington 218 and last summer 2024 was Elsberry 226.
This year’s tournament holds special significance as American Legion Baseball celebrates its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1925 in Milbank, South Dakota, the program emphasizes sportsmanship, citizenship, and leadership through baseball. Missouri teams will honor this milestone with commemorative events, including “centennial games” showcasing top programs. Fans can also purchase centennial patches to mark the occasion.
Sedalia, known for hosting the Missouri State Fair, is no stranger to large-scale events. The city’s welcoming atmosphere and proximity to the fairgrounds make it an ideal location for the championship. Local businesses and volunteers are rallying to support the influx of teams and spectators, with food vendors and family-friendly activities planned around Liberty Park.
The Missouri American Legion Baseball program encourages fans to attend and support the young athletes. “This tournament is about more than just baseball,” said a spokesperson for the organization. “It’s about building character, fostering teamwork, and creating memories that last a lifetime.” Admission details and game schedules will be available closer to the event on the Missouri American Legion Baseball website
As the countdown to July 24 begins, anticipation is building for what promises to be a memorable championship at Liberty Park. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or simply looking to enjoy a community event, the Missouri American Legion State Championship Tournament is set to deliver an unforgettable experience in the heart of Sedalia.
Vote for the American Legion Baseball All-Centennial Team
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.
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American Legion Baseball Centennial Celebration
1957 MO State Championship Team - Washington Post 218 - Ronsick Field.
Ballwin Post 611, defeated Memphis in the 1972 ALWS.
Centennial Spotlight
American Legion Baseball Golf Tournament celebrating the 100th anniversary of American Legion Baseball. As we celebrate this milestone, we also take time to honor the memory of Mike Scoles, 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee, whose lifelong dedication to American Legion Baseball left a lasting impact. His passion for the game and commitment to developing young leaders will be remembered as we gather in his honor.
American Legion Code of Sportsmanship
I will:
Keep The Rules; Keep Faith With My Teammates; Keep My Temper; Keep Myself Fit; Keep A Stout Heart In Defeat; Keep My Pride Under In Victory; Keep A Sound Soul; A Clean Mind And A Healthy Body."
100 Years of American Legion Baseball 1925-2025
