American Legion Post 53 Brings Baseball Tradition Back to Front Royal

American Legion baseball is returning to Front Royal through Post 53, giving local players ages 14 to 19 a chance to keep playing beyond the high school season while representing a program built on discipline, teamwork, service, and community pride.

Members of the new American Legion Post 53 baseball team stand proudly in their new uniforms alongside coaches and American Legion leadership during the team’s uniform presentation in Front Royal.

Head coach Jean Rodriguez said the idea grew from his work with Warren County High School and from seeing a need for older players in the community.

“As an assistant coach of Warren County High School, we decided to put a team together for the community after high school,” Rodriguez said. “So, for anybody aged 14 to 19 years old, we’re giving them an opportunity to play beyond the high school season.”

Rodriguez said the goal is to build a stronger baseball pipeline in Front Royal. He pointed to the success and energy around local Little League programs and said Post 53 baseball can give those younger players something to grow into.

“We saw what we can do in the community here in Front Royal with the Little League,” Rodriguez said. “So we wanted to proceed with that for the older guys. And eventually, that pipeline will grow. So those 12U, when they’re 14 to 19, they have something established.”

The team is sponsored by American Legion Post 53, and Rodriguez said the Legion’s support made the program possible.

“We’re really grateful for the support we’ve gotten from the Legion Post 53,” Rodriguez said. “From the beginning, this crazy idea, they were really supportive. They made it happen.”

Assistant coach JR Ramey, a Warren County native, said the return of Legion baseball is an important opportunity for local players and the broader community.

“Just an amazing opportunity for Post 53 to come to us and be able to support us with the funds that they’ve done,” Ramey said. “Just like you said, a community aspect to be able to play baseball in the offseason, give these kids a chance, give these kids an opportunity, and we’re excited for the season and to get things going.”

Ramey said it has been some time since the area had an American Legion team, making this season especially meaningful.

“It’s been a while since there’s been an American Legion team around here,” Ramey said. “So just to open up that can of worms again and try to get this thing rolling, really excited.”

The team is planning to play at Bing Crosby Stadium, though Rodriguez said field access is still being finalized. If that does not work out, the team has other options through Post 53. The schedule includes opponents from Leesburg, Warrenton, Culpeper, Stafford, and Winchester. Rodriguez said the season leads to the district tournament, scheduled for July 17-19.

“Our goal this year, first year, is to make state,” Rodriguez said.

The Post 53 roster so far includes Jayden Christopher, McKinley Tolliver, Carl Schmidt Jr., Kaleb Matthews, Izaiah Matthews, Francis Shaffer, Cameron Kerns, Adam Andlinger, David Qtyenoh, Logan Patton, Landon Shell, Blake Hose, Kaiden Brown, and John Pegis. Several other players have shown interest and may join the team next week.

Rodriguez will lead the team as head coach. Assistant coaches are Tyler Settle, Jesse Henry, JR Ramey, and John Christopher.

For Post 53, the program is about more than baseball. Roy Unger, baseball chairman for the American Legion, reminded players that wearing the uniform connects them to a long history of service and citizenship.

“As veterans, we understand the power of a uniform,” Unger said. “It changes how you stand, how you carry yourself, and it means you represent something much larger than yourself. Tonight, as we pass out these jerseys, you become part of a legacy that stretches back over a century.”

Unger told the players that American Legion Baseball was created in 1925 by World War I veterans to teach young athletes discipline, teamwork, and leadership. More than 10 million players have worn the American Legion emblem, including Hall of Famers, military heroes, and civic leaders.

“Tonight, you join that honorable lineage,” Unger said.

He also gave the players a simple charge for the season: wear the Post 53 name with pride, respect, and loyalty.

“Wear it with pride: Remember the veterans who served so you could safely play this game,” Unger said. “Wear it with respect: Honor your coaches, your opponents, and the umpires. Wear it with loyalty: Lift up your teammates through every single inning.”

Unger said the Legion’s measure of success goes beyond the scoreboard.

“We care far more about the character you build this season than the wins and losses on the scoreboard,” he said. “Step up, get your gear, and let’s get ready for a great season. Post 53 is entirely behind you.”

The Post 53 program also includes a POW/MIA ceremony, led by Mark Bauer, recognizing prisoners of war and service members missing in action. The ceremony calls attention to a small table set for one, symbolizing those missing from the ranks. Each item carries meaning, including a single rose for families awaiting a return, a red ribbon for the demand for a proper accounting, a slice of lemon for bitter fate, salt for the tears of waiting families, an inverted glass for those unable to toast, and an empty chair for those not present.

As players begin their season, Post 53 leaders and coaches say the program is meant to provide young athletes with a place to compete, grow, and represent Front Royal with pride.