Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Shelby, NC (WNN)— The much-anticipated climax to the Centennial season of American Legion baseball has arrived. In May, around 3,400 teams consisting of approximately 55,000 players in each of the 50 states and Puerto Rico began playing with one goal in mind. One of the eight remaining teams will achieve that goal in less than one week, when they hoist the American Legion World Series trophy as National Champions.
On Tuesday, the teams began arriving in Shelby, NC, for an introductory meeting and to receive their USAA Regional Champion jerseys, which they will wear on Saturday for USAA Military Appreciation Day. Games begin Thursday morning, with the first pitch scheduled for 10 a.m.
The playoffs began with a field of 64 teams divided into eight regional sites. The champion of each region qualified for this week's national championship tournament. These teams will be divided into two divisions consisting of four teams. They will play in a round robin pool play format within their division, then the top two teams from each division will square off in a semifinal round, and conclude with those two winners in a championship game.
The Pool Play Rules
Last year, 123,000 fans purchased tickets to the ALWS. This year's series has the potential to set a new attendance record with the Southeast champion being from Asheville, NC, which is approximately 78 miles away or roughly an hour and a half drive. Five teams are making a return visit to the ALWS. The Western champion, League City, Texas, becomes only the second team in the 98 years of the World Series to qualify four years in a row. Brooklawn, New Jersey, did it from 1998 to 2001 and went five in a row from 2011 to 2015.
In the Stripes Division will be Greece, NY Post 468 (Northeast) making their first appearance, Chesapeake, VA Post 280 (Mid-Atlantic) their most recent appearance was a fifth place finish in 2022, Asheville, NC Post 70 (Southeast) making their first appearance and will probably be the local favorite due to their proximity to Shelby, and Bossier, LA. Post 202 (Mid-south), they competed in last year's series.
Post 70's coach giving the players a pep talk - Day 5 - Legion Senior Tournament - Fraley Field - Cherryville, NC - July 30th, 2025
William Phillips (WNN)
The teams for the Stars Division are Rockport, Post 158 (Great Lakes), this will be their second appearance, Lincoln, Neb, Post 500 (Central Plains), they were the runners-up in 2023, and were at that time sponsored by Post 3, Portland, OR. Post 158 (Northwest), another one of the first-time teams, and League City, TX, Post 554 (Western), they lost in the 2023 semi-finals to eventual national champion Troy, Alabama.
If you are unable to travel to Shelby, or if other obligations, such as work, keep you away, you can still stay in the loop and follow all the action. All games are currently scheduled to be broadcast on KTCBroadcasting.com.
A KTC Broadcasting sign inside Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium in Shelby, NC
August, 13th, 2025. By: Mason Beam (WNN)
This will be audio only on KTC. ESPN3 will stream all games August 14-17 online, the semifinals on August 18, and the Championship game on August 19 will be on television via ESPN-U. Most teams have a Gamechanger channel and will have play-by-play and game stats on their individual channels within the app. Also, real-time stats can be followed on Legion.org.
Late summer in the South typically means hot and humid weather, which can lead to pop-up thunderstorms or rain showers. This has been an unusually rainy summer in NC, so all games, start times, and matchups are subject to change. I was unable to get firm confirmation on the backup locations; however, there is a plan in place in the unlikely event that Veterans Field at Keeter Stadium becomes unplayable or if rain backs up the schedule.
The outside of Keeter Stadium in Shelby, NC
August, 13th, 2025. By: Mason Beam (WNN)
Naturally, every effort will be made to keep all games on schedule and at Veterans' Field; however, Mother Nature will have the final say. The jet stream is currently in an unusual position that is not allowing storms to pass through the area as quickly as normal. Add hot temperatures and high humidity into the mix, and the result can be heavy rainfall. The forecast looks to be favorable and should not be a factor; however, it is summer time in the South, and the weather can change quickly.
Updates for any needed changes to scheduling will be available at ALWS.US and Legion.org; either of these sites will give you the latest changes if weather becomes a factor. If you're heading out to the stadium, you might want to bring a poncho, a seat cushion, and sunscreen. There are plenty of food and drink vendors to keep you nourished and hydrated, and a nice selection of souvenirs to help you remember your trip.
There are ATM machines available on site, and most vendors accept debit and credit cards. Come on out and expect to see some memorable and exciting baseball games. This looks to be a very competitive tournament; after all, these are the best eight teams in the country. Don't forget to check Wise News Network daily for game recaps, photos, and videos.
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