Owensboro’s American Legion Post 9 Bombers baseball team hosts a ham and smoked bologna fundraiser each year, with all proceeds supporting the team’s growth and development. The event has been a tradition for nearly a decade and will be held Nov. 27 at the American Legion at 736 Frederica Street.

Community members can order Kentucky Legend hams for $45, half hams for $30, and Fields Bologna rolls for $15 through Nov. 23. Tickets are available from team manager Matt Freeman or from the Legion bar. You can reach Freeman by calling or texting 270-570-0005.

Freeman shared that this fundraiser was necessary to keep the Bombers afloat and allow the team to cover expenses and keep player costs low.

“We don’t want families to have to spend thousands of dollars every summer just to keep their kids in baseball,” Freeman said. “Our aim is to provide high quality competition locally.”

Founded nationally in 1925, American Legion Baseball is one of the nation’s oldest youth baseball programs. Its purpose is to promote citizenship, sportsmanship and community involvement. The Bombers program in Owensboro dates back to 1926, when they lost to Louisville in the state championship. Since then, the team has won 17 championships, including the last four in a row.

Throughout its history, the team has provided a platform for local youth to develop their athletic and personal skills. Freeman emphasized that these interactions provide a unique learning experience for young athletes.

“That’s one of the best parts of coaching here,” he said. “The team becomes a bridge between generations as our players learn service and responsibility from veterans.”

In recent years, the Bombers have found success on the field, capturing four straight state championships and expressing a desire to advance to the American Legion Baseball World Series.

Owensboro native and former MLB umpire Larry Vanover played a pivotal role in the program’s rebirth. He supports the team’s rebirth with a vision focused on character building and community engagement. He relied on Scott Dotson to serve as general manager while officiating.

Realizing the program’s former prestige had waned, Vanover assumed the leadership role nearly a decade ago. He has since worked with a dedicated team, including Freeman, to create a structured, high-quality program. Freeman is assisted by Gary Haire and Daylin Crabtree, who Vanover said are both proven leaders.

“These kids need a positive place and a goal to work towards,” Vanover said. “Baseball is just a tool, but we help them learn life skills: commitment, work ethic, responsibility to their teammates. “This is our main issue.”

With the continued support of local sponsors and organizations such as Champion Ford, Horn Foundation, VFW and Post 9 veterans, Vanover said the Bombers are poised to continue growing and improving. Vanover noted that players benefit greatly from the support, and veterans and community members also find meaning in contributing to the team’s success.

Vanover added that Patrol 9 Commander Charlie Lagadinos and Nick Hetman also played a key role in the program’s success.

“There is a shared pride and patriotism,” he said. “It’s great for young people to see that kind of dedication and learn from it.”

This year the team restarted a JR program aimed at developing young players. The squad will be led by Brescia University baseball manager Casey Hamilton. Vanover and Freeman hope the JR program will develop skills early and provide a pipeline for future Bombers players.

“Adding the JR program under a coach as experienced as Casey is a huge step forward,” Vanover said. “It’s all about providing a foundation from which young athletes can learn, develop and eventually compete at higher levels.”

Last spring, Freeman contacted Vanover to help organize a memorable experience for the team. The day before they were to play in the regional tournament in Vanover, Illinois, he arranged for the team to make the 40-minute drive from the tournament site to watch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

“This is about more than just wins and losses,” Vanover said. “We want these young men to have experiences they will remember and see the big picture of what baseball has to offer.”

Freeman talked about plans to work on a new ballpark that would give the team a dedicated area to practice and compete.

“Having our home field is a game changer,” Freeman said. “This will enable us to build a true home for the Bombers where our community can gather.”

As the Bombers continue to aim for new heights, their annual fundraiser is a chance for the community to get behind the team. Vanover said they are always accepting donations and anyone who wants to support the Bombers can always stop by the Legion.