American Legion baseball pushing forward for spring season

It may be early January, but American Legion Baseball made a huge announcement this week.

The season will go on.

Jason Bush, who wears numerous American Legion hats, including Region 7 director, District 31 president and Latrobe manager, said national, state, regional and local officials have met and agreed to going forward with a season this spring.

American Legion baseball canceled the 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic. Region 7, led by Bush, held an independent season anyway last summer.

“A lot of leagues in the state were surprised we were able to pull off our schedule in 2020,” Bush said. “Many asked if we had any issues. I told them we had two and they were handled internally.

“In fact, I feel a couple leagues — Central Penn and Bedford — may be picking up a few teams. We have a chance to field as many as 13 teams in District 31 (Westmoreland and Indiana counties).”

Teams that played last year included Latrobe, Derry, Hempfield East, Murrysville, Yough, Mt. Pleasant, Bushy Run, Young Township and West Hempfield. Kiski and Unity, which did not field teams, are also returning.

“We’ve had other teams reach out to join us, but nothing can be confirmed,” Bush said. “We’re meeting as a league in a couple weeks.”

Bush said the fact Region 7 was able to play through the regional tournament was good for all parties involved. Bushy Run, Latrobe and Yough advanced to the regional tournament in Hollidaysburg.

“People saw what we did and were impressed,” Bush said. “Hopefully, it will help us continue to grow.”

American Legion baseball season is scheduled to begin in May. Bush said West Virginia officials have already pushed the start of their season until June.

This year’s regional tournament is scheduled for Mt. Michael near Johnstown.