The American Legion is committed to America's youth and that is why we have sponsored American Legion Baseball since 1925. The goals of American Legion Baseball are the development of team discipline, individual character and leadership development qualities in young people. American Legion Baseball is the oldest and largest, nationwide, baseball program in America. American Legion Baseball became a National program in 1925. Over ten million teenagers have played American Legion Baseball since its inception. The first National Championship tournament was held in 1926. In 1998, 5,083 teams were registered for National tournament play.