FARMINGTON—It’s been 100 years since American Legion Baseball began and it’s still going strong today. Founded in 1925 in South Dakota after World War I, it has expanded nationwide with hundreds and hundreds of team leagues.

“Right after the war ended there was a concern about how to keep young men healthy and active,” said John Decker, chairman of the league in Utah and a member of American Legion John W. Sheets Post 27-Farmington. “People wondered how to do that and decided to start a youth baseball league.”

Today, the local American Legion Post supports a team, he said. “It’s usually the nearest post. They provide equipment if needed, organize umpires and fields. We use the high school fields right there.”

The league is made up of mostly high school players but it’s open to 13-19-year-olds. “A state championship was held three weeks ago in Cache Valley,” he said. “The game was played at Mountain Crest High School.” 

There was that small town spirit, said Decker. “During the game there were probably 200 people there in support of both teams. It was amazing.”

As part of the centennial celebration, Decker coordinated with the Ogden Raptors and Salt Lake Bees to hold an American Legion night. “In Ogden we gave American Legion coins to each of the players. There was a banner hanging as you entered the park. At the Bees game I was able to go on the field pre-game and walk the ball to the mound.”  

Decker has had a lifelong passion for the sport and was recently inducted into the Utah Softball Hall of Fame. “It was a wonderful honor,” he said. “I was reluctant to accept it.”

He started in the San Francisco area and has been playing for 61 years. “I started at 14 and I’m 75 now,” said Decker. “I was drafted in 1969 and went to Vietnam so I didn’t play but I carried a baseball in my backpack. We would have a two-day break to rest and I would throw the ball.”

 While in Vietnam Decker was injured when a mine exploded and killed two other men. He felt lucky to be alive.

“I was standing about 10 feet away and I only had two pellets hit me,” he said. “They took me to a MASH unit and they patched me up and sent me back. One of the pellets was too close to my heart so they left it in.”

When he returned he jumped back in and has been playing ever since. “I stay in shape and I attribute that to softball,” he said. “I’ve made several All-Star games and have been named MVP in a couple of games. That’s an honor too.”

Decker also plays in the Huntsman Senior Games each year. “I’ve been going since I was 58,” he said. “Except when my wife and I moved to Washington, D.C. for two years. When we came back I continued to go to the Senior Games. I’ve gotten 15 medals.”

Everyone brings a team from wherever they live, said Decker. “There are hundreds of teams. It’s a great place to play.”

There are different divisions determined by age, he said. “I go as a 75-year-old player but I can also play in the 70-year-old division. I’m mostly outfield but sometimes I play first base.”

Decker’s dad played college baseball in Oregon. “He liked to play catch with his sons,” he said. “That’s what got me going. His mitt was an old piece of leather.”

He didn’t play little league though. “Church ball was where I really started playing.”

Decker plays in a Monday night league at Valley Park. “The oldest division is over 80 and they’re still playing,” he said. “A lot of wives are there. Their support is what keeps the men going.”

One of the great things is the camaraderie on the field, said Decker. “It stays with you. Even at 75 they’re your best friends. It’s been a blessing to me.”

It’s been a wonderful thing to play, he said. “I don’t plan on giving it up anytime soon.”