There was a time when sponsoring a Little League baseball team was as common as the sport itself, especially once the players reached kid-pitch. For businesses, attaching their name to a youth baseball team was seen as a great show of support for a good cause.
Over the years, as uniforms became more affordable and more practical methods of advertising became available, the idea of sponsorships became less common in recreational leagues, but one Sapulpa institution is bringing back the nostalgia of sponsored support in a way that’s getting noticed.
American Legion Baseball, a program of service to the youth of America, was born in 1925. The first national tournament was held in 1926 and the program has since grown into a national institution, emphasizing sportsmanship and citizenship.
Now, 100 years later, the members of the Sapulpa American Legion Post 36 have continued that tradition with a contribution to their local Little League baseball program. The Sapulpa Rangers baseball team is now wearing new traditional pinstripe uniforms made possible by the veterans at the American Legion.
Legion Commander Randy Wheeler said the goal was to make a difference in the youth of Sapulpa. “What better way to do that than to encourage good sportsmanship on the baseball field as well as community outreach?” said Commander Wheeler.
In a special session at the monthly meetings of the local American Legion post, the players and coaches attended a dinner hosted by the local members, where they received a check and were given a tour of the facilities.
Legon Chaplain Ricky Wells the legion was “so excited” to host the dinner and meet the players. “The boys were very respectful, and loved seeing relics of our nation’s greatest asset: The men and women of the United States armed forces,” Wells said.
The Rangers are quite a powerhouse team. Last year, they played 10-and-under and went undefeated for the season, winning the league championship ring. This year, they moved up to 12-and-under in order to keep the team together, though several of the team could have continued to play 10-and-under. They ended the season with another ring in second place and head coach Tony McCarthy says he “could not be more proud of these boys.”
“Earning rings two years in a row is not an easy task, especially considering the age, height and size of the some of the competition compared to our team,” McCarthy said. “We are so honored and consider it a privilege to partner with the American Legion Post 36 to take part in these boys’ baseball development.”
Sign-ups are underway for the Fall 2025 season of Sapulpa Youth Baseball. Parents can sign their children up each Sunday in July at the Sapulpa Youth Baseball facilities. In the fall, there is no gate admission. See their Facebook Page for more information on times and pricing.
