CHESAPEAKE, VA (WTKR)- American Legion Post 280 out of Chesapeake accomplished what just one other team from the organization in Virginia had ever done- win the American Legion national championship.
That achievement not only comes with the title of champions, but also a trip to be recognized at the World Series in October. Major League Baseball honors certain champions and teams during Game 2 of the fall classic, which will feature the Toronto Blue Jays taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers.
After initially being told they would be unable to attend the World Series because their scheduled game would be out of the country in Toronto, American Legion and the Major League Baseball Commissioner's Office reached a solution that will allow the team to attend Game 4 in Los Angeles. An American Legion spokesperson tells News 3 that how the team will be recognized at the game is still being worked out, but players and coaches are now able to go.
American Legion's national headquarters informed the team it would not be able to attend the originally planned Game 2 due to the contest being played in Toronto and concerns regarding venturing outside the United States. According to an American Legion spokesperson, the decision by American Legion was made based on international travel logistics, such as concerns over passports and necessary documentation, especially with the possibility of minors traveling outside the country.
Every American Legion national championship team has had the opportunity to attend a World Series game since 1927 and the resolution means that tradition can continue.
To add to the confusion, an Instagram post made Wednesday by Play Ball, Major League Baseball's youth initiative, reading “Congratulations to the 2025 American Legion National Champions Chesapeake, Virginia Post 280. We are excited to celebrate your achievements at the World Series."
Coach Larry Bowles tells WTKR News 3 that he was informed Thursday afternoon that his team would now be able to travel to Game 4 next Tuesday in Los Angeles. He also noted that his entire roster is comprised of players 18 and over. Now, after spending yesterday speaking with disappointed players and parents, he can relay the good news that they are heading to the Fall Classic.
American Legion Post 280 won the Senior World Series in Shelby, North Carolina, on August 19.
