Legion baseball has been a staple in Lebanon for many decades.  But the long association with American Legion Baseball has come to an end.  Philosophical and scheduling difficulties as well as increasing financial demands have regretfully led to this decision.  We just weren't on the same page anymore.  We had to go another way.

But, as one door closes, another opens and we found our neighbors, the Schuylkill-Berks League, who, a year earlier, after dealing with the same issues and came to the same conclusion - leave legion.  Based on their previous successful experience being independent during the COVID year, they again went on their own last year, so they knew the "do's and don'ts".  Again, they were successful.

While they overcame the same legion obstacles we faced, what we liked most about them was their commitment to players first and are sensitive to the concerns of parents.  Ergo it was obvious.  A merger with them was a "no brainer".

With this merger, in addition to becoming part of a 11-team league covering three counties, we now are part of a 501c3 organization which means teams who wish to donate to us can enjoy tax exempt status.  In addition, we'll have tax accounting and legal advice at our disposal as needed.

The league is divided into two divisions.  The East – Hamburg, Muhlenberg, Schuylkill Valley and the Wildcats.  The West – 5^th Ward AC (Lebanon), Campbelltown, Myerstown, and Richland.  Conrad Weiser and Valley View are still committed to the league but have opted to freeze for this season.

League play will begin June 1 and end July 24.  The two divisions will each have a double elimination tournament to determine their division's champions.  The two division champions will then square off in a "best of three" playoff to determine the league champion.  The first two games of the playoffs will be a doubleheader at 1st Energy Stadium, home of the Reading Fightin Phils

In closing, we'll always be grateful for our years in American Legion Baseball, and wish them well in the future, but for now, our future is UNITED!

To follow our progress in our new league, click on www.unitedbaseball.net.