American Legion Baseball Alumni Shine as MLB Season Begins
As the 2026 Major League Baseball season gets underway, a significant number of players with roots in American Legion Baseball are poised to make an impact. At least two dozen former American Legion Baseball players are expected to appear on major league rosters, showcasing the program’s continued role in developing top talent.
Graduate of the Year Honorees
Among those taking the field are six American Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year winners, including the 2026 honoree, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (Post 47/Waynesville, N.C.). Raleigh’s recognition highlights his exceptional performance and dedication to the sport, building on a 2025 season where he finished second in American League Most Valuable Player voting American Legion. He also secured a Silver Slugger Award and was named All-MLB First Team.
Joining Raleigh as past Graduate of the Year recipients are:
- Jake Meyers (Post 1/Omaha, Neb.), 2025
- Paul Sewald (Post 76/Las Vegas), 2024
- Corey Seager (Post 115/Kannapolis, N.C.), 2023
- Brandon Woodruff (Post 49/Tupelo, Miss.), 2022
- Jacob deGrom (Post 3/Deland, Fla.), 2021
Team Rosters Feature Multiple Alumni
The Texas Rangers boast two former American Legion Baseball Graduates of the Year in Seager and deGrom. DeGrom, who returned from Tommy John surgery in September 2024, had a strong 2025 season, going 12-8 with a 2.97 ERA and earning his fifth All-Star Game bid American Legion.
The Seattle Mariners will also feature multiple Legion Baseball alumni, with J.P. Crawford (Post 496/Lakewood, Calif.) expected to join Raleigh on the roster once he recovers from a shoulder injury sustained during spring training.
The Toronto Blue Jays could see Daulton Varsho (Post 54/Marshfield, Wis.) and Davis Schneider (Post 371/Gibbsboro, N.J.) on their roster, though Schneider’s performance during spring training may determine whether he begins the season in the majors or minors.
Additional American Legion Baseball alumni on MLB rosters include MacKenzie Gore (Post 137/Whiteville, N.C.) and Brandon Nimmo (Cheyenne, Wyo.) of the Texas Rangers, and J.T. Realmuto (Post 170/Midwest City, Okla.), Alec Bohm (Post 1/Omaha, Neb.), Bryce Harper (Las Vegas), and Bryson Stott (Las Vegas) of the Philadelphia Phillies, who will host the 2026 All-Star Game.
Key Dates
- March 25: Opening Night – New York Yankees at San Francisco Giants
- March 26: Opening Day
- July 14: 96th All-Star Game – Philadelphia
- September 27: Regular Season Ends
- September 29: Postseason Begins
- October 23: World Series Game 1