Edina is Ready to Host the State's Best Teams at American Legion State Tournament Aug. 1-5

Storied Edina Legion program to host its first Legion state tournament thanks to the support of many

including more than 240 volunteers

Edina, Minnesota ( July 24, 2013 ) – Minnesota’s best American Legion baseball teams are set to converge upon Edina, Minn. for the annual State Tournament held at the city’s Braemar Field complex August 1-5. This 16-team double-elimination tournament will decide which Minnesota team will represent the state at regional competition and possibly at the American Legion Baseball World Series taking place in North Carolina in August. This year marks the first time Edina has hosted this prestigious tournament.

Tournament organizers and 240 volunteers are ready after more than three years of preparation to put on a fantastic tournament full of high-caliber baseball, tributes to veterans, a baseball expo and fun. “Thanks to the effort of so many volunteers we are poised and ready to make this a memorable tournament for all involved,” said tournament director Channing Handberg. “This tourney is about more than just baseball. It is about honoring our veterans and continuing the legacy and original purpose of American Legion Baseball.”

Last year the Edina Legion team beat Eden Prairie, the defending state and World Series champion to advance from state to regional competition. The title was the community’s fifth state Legion title, tying them with rival Eden Prairie for the most in state history. 2013 also marks the 30th anniversary of Edina’s 1983 Legion team that won the American Legion World Series Championship.

The Edina community is ready to showcase its fine facilities and show its world class hospitality to baseball players and fans from across the state. “The city is excited after a few years of planning to get this tournament underway,” said Edina Mayor James Hovland. “A tournament of this size brings many first-time visitors to our community and allows us to show them everything Edina has to offer.”

Edina American Legion baseball is steeped in tradition with at least 15 former legion players having gone on to play professional baseball since the program’s inception more than 60 years ago.

Action on the diamond will begin on Thursday, August 1 and conclude on Monday, August 5. However, there is much more to this tournament than just baseball. In addition to the play between the lines, the tournament will serve as a place to honor the service of many local veterans who fought for America in some of history’s greatest battles. The tournament’s opening ceremony; a first of its kind event for this tournament, at 2:30 p.m. on August 1 will also feature a military flyover, in addition to honoring the sacrifices of all service men and women. “The real heroes of this tournament are the veterans we will honor,” said Hovland. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the American Legion for continuing the tradition of this excellent amateur sporting event.”

Also on the first day of competition will be a Home Run Derby, taking place between 3:30 and 5 p.m., featuring one player from each qualifying team. Following the Home Run Derby the teams will be honored at the annual pre-tournament banquet held at the Double Tree Hotel in nearby Bloomington. The keynote speaker of the banquet is University of Minnesota Baseball Coach John Anderson, who has led the Gophers to a 1,092-726-3 record in 32 seasons.

For more information about the tournament or for ticket information please visit, http://www.edinalegiontourney.com.

About Edina American Legion Baseball:

The Edina American Legion Baseball Program is one of the most storied programs in the state. The program holds five state championships (1955, 1969, 1982, 1983, and 2012) and one American Legion World Series Title (1983). The program has spawned the baseball futures of more than 15 former players who have gone onto to play professional baseball. In addition, hundreds of former Edina American Legion players have gone to play at the collegiate level.

The defending 2012 State Champions and 2013 Edina Legion team is coached by Nick Kennedy.

About American Legion Baseball:

Founded in 1925, American Legion Baseball supports more than 5,400 teams and 100,000 players from all 50 states. American Legion Baseball lists baseball stars and legends Harmon Killebrew, Roger Maris, Paul Molitor, albert Pujols, Justin Verlander and Ted Williams as former players. The American Legion program has been a constant in Minnesota since its inception and produced five National Champions over that time span. Currently there are 321 American Legion teams in the state of Minnesota. For more information please visit, http://www.legion.org/baseball.