American Legion cancels regional, World Series tournaments
As the coronavirus pandemic is creating unpredictability worldwide with its duration and public health regulations and restrictions across the nation, the American Legion is facing an improbable situation.
On Tuesday, the American Legion Baseball governing body announced the cancellation of its eight regional tournaments and the World Series, which was to be played in Shelby, N.C.
“Many baseball coaches are unable to complete prerequisite league play scheduled between May and July due to the closure of schools and playing facilities across the nation,” the American Legion wrote in a release on its website. “In August, more than 500 players, coaches and volunteer staff are scheduled to travel and participate in eight regional tournaments and the American
Legion World Series, collectively attracting thousands of fans and spectators. Many of these individuals are of a high-risk demographic.”
“The decision to cancel was extremely difficult but deemed necessary, first and foremost in the interest of health and safety, and in the face of uncertainty,” Americanism Commission Richard Anderson noted. “These times are unparalleled. And while it is distressing to think of all those youth across the nation who are disappointed to learn of the cancellation of American Legion programs this year, it would be a much, much greater tragedy if even just one of those youth were to fall ill during a program.”
The American Legion’s regional and national determination does not impact the status of league, Pa. regional and state tournaments. That decision will take place at the state level at a future date.
In fact, the cancellation of national play could allow states to extend their seasons later in an effort to have some summer play.
The Region 5 (Great Lakes) Tournament, which encompasses Pennsylvania’s champion and runner-up in its lineup, was scheduled to be played at the Plunkett Athletic Complex in Elmhurst, Ill. Aug. 5-9.
With the number of COVID-19 cases growing daily and state