Post brings American Legion baseball back to the area

The Hewitt-New American Legion Post No. 248 in Mound City is sponsoring a 17-and-under baseball team for area youth this summer. Tryouts for the team begin in February. (Unsplash file photo)

By Roger Sims

linncountyjournal@icloud.com

MOUND CITY – One of the drawbacks of high school baseball is the season ends just as summer is getting started.

The members of Mound City-based Hewitt New American Legion Post No. 248 will change that this year – and organizers hope into the future – beginning with sponsoring a Legion baseball team in 2026 for boys 14 to 17 years old.

The team is open to all high school ball players from Linn County and surrounding areas. Once the 17-and-under team is formed, it is expected to be able to remain together through the 19-and-under season. However, Legion sponsors are hoping to make the team a permanent fixture in area sports.

Those interested in playing should fill out an application by clicking on the QR code below. Deadline for applying is Jan. 31, which is about three weeks away.

For more information on applying or tryouts, contact Christy Nickelson at 620-215-2667, Chrystal Lawson at 913-333-7692, or send an email to americanlegion248baseball@gmail.com.

“The coach will be Tommy Lawson of Prescott,” said Christy Nickelson, who is one of the organizers for the team. She added the team is also looking to recruit assistant coaches.

Members of the Hewitt-New American Legion Post No. 248, which is supporting the new baseball team, includes, seated from far left, Ron Stanley, Tom Cook, Robert Morse, David Nickelson, Michael Iverson, Gerald Hardy, Len Carter; standing, Walter Johnston, Kevin Schasteen (District 2 Vice Commander), William Jordan (Post Commander), Kris Wharton, Stanley Nolin, and Kenney Schmitz. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

She said the new team will likely play American Legion teams from Paola, Louisburg, Garnett, Iola, Fort Scott and other teams in the region.

Most of the games will be double headers played weeknights in June and July. She also expects there will be some weekend tournaments as well, and hopes the team will also be able to host a tournament.

Players will need to furnish their own gloves, helmets and cleats. According to Legion member David Nickelson, the Legion will supply some bats – while recognizing most players bring their own – catchers equipment and uniforms.

Because of the level of competition in the Legion league, there will be tryouts and those are expected to begin in February. That will give organizers time to order uniforms and schedule games with other Legion teams in the region.

Use this QR code to go to more information or just click on it to go to the link.

It is also necessary to have the tryouts to the end of February because high school baseball begins on March 2, and Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) regulations forbid high school ball players to be involved with other teams during the school season.

David Nickelson said the Mound City chapter sponsored a team a few years back, but the support was minimal. No uniforms, just t-shirts and ball caps.

This time, the financial support will be long term and stable, he said. That includes a community that is more than willing to support the effort financially.

David said he called Legion member Ward Goodison about the project and within 24 hours, Goodison had raised about $8,500.

“People were more than eager to help out,” David said.

Members of the Mound City post sought help from members of a Legion post in Pittsburg, who helped guided them in what they would need to get it started. It also didn’t hurt that three of the Mound City Legion members – Mike Iverson, Bill Jordan, and Jerry Kriley – are former high school sports officials and were knowledgeable about what a team needed.

He also pointed out that, along with Boys State, Girls State and the Cadet Law Enforcement program, Legion baseball reaches out to area youth, which is one of the American Legion’s goals.