Staff report

The Americanism Commission, in consultation with National Commander James William “Bill” Oxford, has announced cancellation of all 2020 American Legion Baseball national tournaments, inclusive of all eight regional tournaments and the American Legion World Series in Shelby.

There’s still some hope that there will be local American Legion seasons, culminating with a state tournament.

“At this point, the decision was made not to make a final decision at the state level,” Rowan County American Legion head coach Jim Gantt said. “There’s still some hope of a season and a state tournament.”

 In August, more than 500 players, coaches and volunteer staff normally 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 awarding of American Legion Baseball scholarships for 2020 is suspended

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.

The Americanism Commission’s Richard Anderson said, “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 Americanism Commission feels this is the right thing to do.”