(Utica, NY – July 2014) After three years of hosting the New York State American Legion Championship Series in Utica, the City of Utica has been awarded the honor of hosting the event through 2020.
“The initial goal of our committee was to learn the details surrounding the logistics of hosting such a prestigious event for our region,” said tournament director Mike Macchione. “The hard work and dedication of the tournament committee convinced top state Legion officials that the best place to award a long term agreement was the Mohawk Valley region. Now the goal is to make Utica the tournament home for this decade and beyond, and for that we will need support from the community and the business sector.”
The tournament kicks off on July 29 with the arrival of the eight competing teams. Games begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, and will conclude with the championship game at noon on Sunday, Aug. 3. All games will be played at Donovan Stadium at Murnane Field in Utica. “We’ve reviewed the old format of double eliminations just as they have at the National level,” said Bruce Mayfield, the State Baseball Chairman. “My committee decided to follow the same format that National uses, and that is to go to pool play. Pool play means every team is not only guaranteed a minimum of three games, but just as important for the fans, they will know the times their team will be playing. We expect that will have a positive impact on travel plans for parents and friends from outside the Utica area,” said Mayfield. “Because Adrean Post is the host team, the area will be represented in the tournament with two entries; the 5th District Champion and the District runner-up. Both teams will be in separate brackets, allowing for the possibility of meeting in the Championship game, which should make for exciting viewing.”
“In additional to great baseball, there will be a number of fun activities for spectators to see and participate in during the tournament,” Macchione said. “These events will include the ‘Carbone Challenge’ for a new car or Harley, honoring our country’s Military K-9 from Fort Drum, fireworks on Saturday night, and Little League Appreciation Night, following the finish of the last qualifying team for the Championship game on Sunday.
“This is a great announcement for our City,” said Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri. “I thank Chairman Bruce Mayfield and Mike Macchione for enabling Utica to host the New York State American Legion Championship Series for the next six years.”
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente stated, “I congratulate Mike Macchione and his team for making Oneida County the location for the New York State American Legion Championship Series for the next six years. It’s a testament to our region and to the facilities and venues available here in Oneida County. This is a great opportunity and the County of Oneida is proud to be a partner in this endeavor.”
Simultaneously throwing out the first pitch on opening night July 30 will be local and state elected officials. Those expected include Utica Mayor Palmieri, Oneida County Executive Picente, State Senator Griffo, and Assemblypersons Brindisi and Tenney. Joining them will be the area’s own RoAnn Destito representing Gov. Cuomo. In addition, to being great supporters of Legion baseball and the tournament, all of these officials deserve praise for their bipartisan effort in securing the Nano Center at SUNY IT. This facility will have a great positive impact on our entire community.
“We also want to recognize our volunteers and great sponsors.” Macchione said. Our gratitude and thanks to the Carbone Auto Group, BNY Mellon, Commercial Travelers Insurance, Oriskany Manufacturing Technologies, and PJ Green for their support in making this premier event happen.”
Everyone who loves good baseball, family fun, and this great tournament being played here should be in the packed stands cheering on our terrific players. Let’s all go out to the ball games!