Thousands of Minnesota players wait to hear fate of Legion baseball season

The American Legion recently cancelled its World Series for baseball teams in the U.S. and Canada due to the coronavirus pandemic but the league in Minnesota just decided to postpone the season for the time being.

Minnesota has more than 330 teams that play in the baseball league for 13 to 19-year-old players, which is more than any other state in the country.

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"We're trying to hold out hope," said Randy Schaub, Director of Baseball Committee for the Minnesota Legion. “I think we're all looking to the higher-ups, whether the governor or the president or both of them, there's so many moral, ethical and legal aspects that you get into that you have to consider."

The league said player safety is driving them in their decision but they are also watching to see what the Minnesota State High School League and Major League Baseball decide to do with their seasons first before finalizing league play, which heats up in the summer.

For the last three seasons, 19-year-old Blake Ask has played on the Wayzata American Legion Post #118 team.

“It’s really special — being at the yard with all the guys you’ve grown up with every day in the summer," Ask said. “We’re just hoping for the most baseball that we can play.”

Ask’s college season ended after 13 games at Northern State University due to COVID-19 shutting down play.

That’s why the former Wayzata High School standout pitcher had hoped he’d get to play Legion ball this summer.

“We’re hoping we can play any way possible, the World Series and regional were our goals to get to those tournaments,” Ask said. “But if we can get league games in and some state tournaments, that would be awesome.”

National Legion explains why it is cancelling post-season

Minnesota Legion baseball plans to meet in early May to decide on the season.

“Right now, we’re optimistic a season will happen," said Maris Blanchard, Wayzata Post #118 coach. “What it looks like I’m not really sure."