On this episode of The Hitting Zone, Mitch Thomas is joined by Dylan Black, Head Coach of Festus Post 253, and Jeremy Partney, Assistant Head Coach, for a deep dive into American Legion Baseball — what it looks like today, how it has evolved, and why it still plays a critical role in player development.
They walk through what a Legion baseball season truly looks like, from tryouts to the final game and postseason, including how travel compares to club baseball and how recruiting exposure fits into the Legion model.

The conversation then turns back the clock, comparing Legion baseball 30 years ago to today’s game. From how players prepared and trained, to expectations placed on athletes, and what today’s players would be shocked to learn about equipment, uniforms, tryouts, and day-to-day life around the game back then.

For high school players deciding between Legion and Club baseball, Mitch, Dylan, and
Jeremy break down key factors families should consider:
⚾ Player development and training structure
⚾ Cost and accessibility
⚾ Competitive environment and accountability
⚾ Long-term growth versus short-term exposure

They also tackle the big question — why Legion baseball still matters — and how the Legion model continues to support development both on and off the field.

It’s an honest, educational conversation rooted in experience, tradition, and the future of the game.

📲 Follow Mitch Thomas:
Instagram: @_mtsperformance
X (Twitter): @TheHittingZoneSTL

📲 Guests:
Dylan Black — Head Coach, Festus Post 253
Jeremy Partney — Assistant Head Coach, Festus Post 253

📲 Follow Festus Post 253 Baseball:
Instagram: @post253baseball
X (Twitter): @253Baseball

⚾ Missouri American Legion Baseball:
Website: https://www.missouriamericanlegionbaseball.org/
Instagram: @missourilegionbaseball
Facebook: Missouri American Legion Baseball
X (Twitter): @MOLegionBall

⚾ Stay locked in with Youth Baseball Midwest—your hub for full-spectrum youth baseball insight in the Midwest. Subscribe and hit that dinger (🔔) to never miss a game-state insight.

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