Headed for home American Legion Post 68 to host Junior & Senior state tournaments at Lee S. Jones Park in Lyon County Story and photos by Jody Norwood The 2018 season was a turning point long coming for American Legion Post 68 baseball.
The Aces had been at the edge of winning the senior title time after time, but came up just short. Until last season. Down seven runs and looking like it was over, the Aces put together a nine-run sixth inning to take the Senior state championship 9-8 over Owensboro in Ashland.
A year later, the Aces will have a chance to repeat their success with a team that may be even better, according to head coach Greg Vincent. And this time, they’ll have a chance to play for the title in their own backyard. For the first time ever, the post will host the senior state tournament at the Lee S. Jones Park beginning July 23. Vincent said having the games at home makes an impact
not just on the players, but also the coaches.
“Last year we had to travel about six hours,” Vincent said. “Staying in hotel rooms, the travel, the expense was just huge. It was worth it of course. Being able to sleep in our own beds, the fans in the community, it’s big all the way around. And not just for Lyon County, but all of western Kentucky.”
The journey to bringing the tournaments to Lake Barkley has been a long one, both for the post and for the community. The county and volunteers have worked in recent years to add a concession stand, upgrade the field and develop buildings located inside Lee S. Jones. The result has been one of the finest parks in western Kentucky, highlighted by the baseball field. There has also been a push by county leaders to promote keeping the park clean.
