American Legion baseball suffered a major drop in participation immediately following the covid pandemic. In the last year, the organization has saw a resurgence of interest in both the Senior Legion and especially the Junior Legion age groups. Junior Legion is for players from Age 13-17, which is most generally 7th grade through junior year of high school. The Senior Legion is for any player 19 years old and under, which is most generally those that have recently graduated high school and some that are young freshman in college. Third Division American Legion Baseball Chairman John Gosney says he’s saw growth in Senior Legion that is nearly back to the pre-covid time period, but he’s most excited about the explosion of participation in Junior Legion Baseball.
Galesburg Post 285 hosted the 6-team 3rd Division Tournament last week at HT Custer Park in Galesburg. Jerseyville Post 492 defeated the Post 285 2-1 in the championship game. Jerseyville will move on to this week’s Illinois State Tournament in Carol Stream, Illinois.
For the full interview with John Gosney, go to the SPORTS PODCAST section.
