Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Several Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys have made their mark playing baseball this summer for various teams. Three, in particular, have had success playing for the American Legion Post 13 (T13) baseball team from Tallahassee. MCHS grads J.D. Bryan and Parker Copeland were recently named to the 2023 American Legion Baseball All State Tournament team. Another Cowboy, Jackson Kendrick, also contributed to the T13 team’s success this summer.
Since 1925, American Legion Posts throughout the nation have sponsored youth baseball programs. During this rich history, hundreds of thousands of young players have participated in the program that teaches the importance of sportsmanship, good health and active citizenship. No less than 82 members of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame played American Legion baseball in their youth. Players like Yogi Berra, Ted Williams, Roy Campanella, Dusty Baker, Albert Pujols, Greg Maddux and Chipper Jones also played American Legion baseball in their youth. Babe Ruth was too old when American Legion baseball began, but he was active in the program in the later years of his life, serving as the program’s director of operations.
Each year, American Legion Baseball awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to players based on leadership, character, scholarship and financial need.
More can be found about the history of American Legion baseball at www.legion.org/baseball/history.