This summer, Gastonia will once again take center stage in American Legion Baseball as Sims Legion Park hosts two major championship tournaments. This marks the first time since 2008 that Sims Legion Park has hosted the North Carolina American Legion State Tournament.
The City of Gastonia has partnered with the Gaston Braves American Legion program, which serves Belmont, Mount Holly, and Stanley, to host the North Carolina American Legion State Tournament at Sims Legion Park. The state tournament will feature North Carolina's best American Legion teams competing for a championship and the opportunity to advance to regional play.
Tournament Schedule
- July 25–29: North Carolina American Legion State Tournament – Sims Legion Park, Gastonia
- August 5–9: American Legion Super Regional Tournament – Fraley Field (Cherryville) and Sims Legion Park (Gastonia)
"We're proud to welcome these championship tournaments to historic Sims Legion Park," said Gastonia Mayor Richard Franks. "This is a great opportunity to showcase the great City of Gastonia, support our local businesses, and celebrate our community's rich baseball tradition."
Following the state tournament, the City of Cherryville will partner with the City of Gastonia to host two regional tournaments in the same county for the first time. Cherryville will host the South Regional Tournament at Fraley Field, featuring state champions from:
- Florida
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- West Virginia
At the same time, Gastonia will host the Mid-South Regional Tournament at Sims Legion Park, welcoming state champions from:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
"We're excited to partner with Gastonia to host the first-ever American Legion Baseball Super Regional," said Cherryville Mayor Wade H. Stroupe, Jr. "This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our communities and welcome visitors from across the Southeast and beyond."
The winners of each regional tournament will advance to the American Legion World Series in Shelby, North Carolina, where the nation's top teams will compete for the national championship.
These tournaments are expected to bring players, coaches, families and fans from across the nation to Gastonia, providing a boost to local businesses while highlighting the county’s rich baseball tradition.
For regional tournament tickets, call Brian Dalton at 704-435-1711. For general tournament information, visit City of Cherryville’s website.