Great Lakes Regional Champions

1997 American Legion World Series

3^rd Place

Of course, such strong teams are not without a share of truly exceptional and/or gifted players. Post #200 has nurtured 12 professional baseball players. They include:

1973 David Breiby Atlanta Braves "A"

1979-80-81 Mike Darby Seattle Mariners "A"

1979-80-81 Mike Muhlenberg Minnesota Twins "A"

1982-83-84 Jamie Allison Cleveland Indians "AA"

1983-84-85 Mark Borcherding Cincinnati Reds "A"

1986-87 Scott Hennessey Kansas City Royals "A"

1986-87 Ray Jackson San Francisco Giants "A"

1988-89-90 Chris Allison Boston Red Sox "AAA"

1988-89-90 Donnie White NY Mets/Houston Astros "AA"

1990 Tony Huntley Evansville (Indp.) "A"

1990-91 Brett Lagerblade Moose Jaw, Canada (Indp.) "A"

1991-92-93 Heath Bender Cleveland Indians "A"

   29 Post #200 alumni (over 10%) have earned NCAA Division I Baseball Scholarships to premier programs such as: the University of Minnesota, University of Kansas, University of Memphis, Bradley University, Southern Illinois University, University of Tennessee, University of New Orleans, University of Iowa, University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University, University of Evansville, University of Northern Iowa, Western Illinois University, University of Mississippi, Southwestern Louisiana University, Indiana State University, Eastern Illinois University, Miami[OH] University, University of Wyoming, Chicago State University and Kansas State University.  A complete alphabetical listing of all Post #200 players is available including years played, college(s) attended and career/professional accomplishments.

For the benefit of our players who have collegiate/professional aspirations, a game schedule and roster is prepared and mailed to paid scouts (assigned to the Midwest) representing 20 of the Major League Baseball teams.   An additional schedule and roster is mailed to the Major League Scouting Bureau which makes schedule/roster/player information available to all of the Major League Baseball organizations.

The premise of the program is multifaceted. First, development of the serious amateur baseball player who has aspirations of playing baseball at the collegiate and/or professional level is addressed. It has been long understood that the goal of any one player who participates in the program is to assure that baseball plays some financial role in the accomplishment of a college degree. Academic performance and the long-term value of an education are stressed to the utmost. It should be understood by all players that the single greatest gift the game of baseball can provide is that of a college education. The opportunity to play professional baseball should be prioritized accordingly.

Second, the program strives to prepare the individual player to be a positive role model and productive citizen on the field as well as outside of baseball. Exemplary character, morality, work ethic, dedication, sportsmanship and good citizenship are expected from each player. Last, but certainly not least important, each Rock Island player is expected to represent the Program and the city of Rock Island with pride, dignity and respect…for its citizens and for all of the players who have participated before him and for those who will play after him.

Our motto has been the same since the inception of the Program: God, Family, Work, Team and Self. Religious, family or employment obligations are expected to come before any team commitments. Team commitments (including practices) should be honored next. Because of the tremendous amount of time that must be devoted by the player to participate in the Program, social/personal time is scarce. However, in agreeing to play and abide by our creed, it should be prioritized after religious, family, employment or team obligations.

Head Coach - MIKE BELL

The head coach of Post #200 is 30 year-old Rock Island native Mike Bell. Mike is married to the former DeAnn Hild, has a six year-old son, Brinn, a newborn daughter, Lauren, and is a Post #200 alum (1984-85-86). He holds a number of Post #200’s career offensive records. A first baseman/DH by trade, Mike is a graduate of Rock Island Alleman High School where he was Most Valuable Player of the 1986 Pioneer squad.

Mike’s collegiate experience includes two years as a varsity letter winner, captain (1987-88) and academic all-American at Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) in Centerville, IA. IHCC is recognized as one of the top NJCAA Div. I baseball programs in the United States. At IHCC, Mike compiled a career .386 batting average with 19 HR’s and 97 RBI’s playing under head coach Rick Mathews, a staff member of the 1985 World Champion Kansas City Royals, and now a member of the management staff of the National League Colorado Rockies. Coach Mathews is recognized as one of the premier instructors in the professional game today.

Cam Walker now the head coach at IHCC, assisted Coach Mathews while Mike attended the school. Coach Walker has continued the storied IHCC tradition with four trips to the NJCAA World Series in his six seasons as head coach. Both Coach Mathews’ and Coach Walkers’ drills/techniques are utilized in the Post #200 program. Additionally, Mike refers players to Coach Walker at IHCC when applicable.

Coach Bell completed his college eligibility at Bradley University in Peoria, IL (1989-90). At BU, Bell again was an academic all-American and a career .333 hitter, playing under Dewey Kalmer in the prestigious Missouri Valley Conference (Conference members include: Wichita State, Creighton, Southwest Missouri, Indiana State, Northern Iowa, Evansville, Illinois State, Southern Illinois). Coach Kalmer has a long standing reputation with professional scouts as a developer of aspiring amateur baseball talent. Over 100 of his former players have signed professional contracts, with a number enjoying prosperous Major League Careers, including: Kirby Puckett, Mike Dunne,Jim Lindeman, Mike Grace, Brian Shouse & Bryan Rekar. Coach Bell continues to scout the Quad City metro area for Coach Kalmer.

Assistant Coach - TIM MCCHESNEY

29 year-old Milan/Rock Island native and Post #200 Alum (1985-86-87) Tim McChesney begins his third year as an assistant to the Rock Island program. Tim is married to the former Missy Esparza, and has two daughters, Bailey & Kaitlyn. He is also the head baseball coach at Black Hawk Junior College in Moline. In his four seasons at the helm at Black Hawk, Coach McChesney’s teams have either won or tied for the Arrowhead Conference Crown and advanced to the Region IV Tournament. Several of his recruits/players are now completing their college baseball careers at the NCAA Division I, Division II and NAIA levels. Two of his players have been drafted and are enjoying successful professional careers. Even though he did not play professionally, Tim has the respect and ear of any number of college baseball coaches and professional scouts, which will undoubtedly help the fortune of our players.

A former pitching standout, varsity letter winner and all conference selection for Rock Island High School, Lincoln Junior College and Western Illinois University, Coach McChesney also has experience in the prestigious Central Illinois Collegiate League (CICL) at Fairview Heights, IL. His primary responsibilities include working with the pitchers and catchers. However, look for Tim to contribute to Post #200’s success in every offensive, defensive and strategic capacity.

Assistant Coach - JOHNNY MARX

One of the best Quad City area amateur hitters returns for his fifth season as hitting coach. 40 year-old Johnny Marx is a former Alleman, Olney (IL) Community College and St. Ambrose University star first baseman/designated hitter. Another Post #200 Alum (1975-76-77), Johnny also was a member of the 1979 National Baseball Congress National Champion Clarinda (IA) A’s. This summer, Johnny begins his 19^th year as a player/coach of the Quad City 76ers semi-pro baseball team.

Also the assistant baseball coach at Rock Island Alleman, Johnny’s wealth of experience and contacts in and around the amateur and professional baseball ranks make him an invaluable part of the coaching staff. Post #200 is indebted to him for the annual kindness and generosity he bestows to the continued success of the program. Previously Coach Marx was an assistant coach at the junior college level and he is currently an associate scout for the Oakland Athletics.

Assistant Coach - TODD DAVIS

Colorful 29 year-old Rock Island native Todd Davis returns for his 11^th season as first base coach. Another Post #200 Alum (1986-87-88), Todd has made six trips to the Illinois Department Legion State Tournament as a coach and was a member of the coaching staff of both the 1990 and 1997 Illinois State Championship teams.

Todd pitched for Rock Island High School and continued his education at Southern University in Louisiana. Don’t let his infectious smile and wry humor fool you…"Snowman" (as he is affectionately known by the players and coaches) knows baseball and teaches the game well. Without question, Todd is an invaluable member of the Post #200 staff.

TEAM RULES

There are several rules all players are required to follow in order to be considered eligible for Post #200 competition. Conduct is expected to be positive and becoming. The list below itemizes each Team Rule:

1. Foul Language on or off the field is prohibited.
2. Throwing and/or abuse of equipment is prohibited. In the event that equipment is thrown/abused and damaged, the player will be expected to reimburse Post #200 for replacement costs.
3. Haircuts are expected to be tasteful.
4. Shoes must be shined before each game. Necessary supplies (polish, saddle soap, cloths) will be provided by the team.
5. No earrings or jewelry are allowed at practice or during games.
6. Uniforms should be kept clean, in good repair, and always tucked in when applicable; from calisthenics until the game is completed, uniforms should be worn correctly.
7. Hats should be worn correctly (i.e. straightforward) when applicable. Rally caps are acceptable when appropriate.
8. Players will sprint to and from their positions. Players will run at full speed on all ground balls and fly balls, no matter how "inevitable" a putout might appear.
9. No outside food or drink is allowed in the dugout during a game. Ice water and/or

Gatorade© will be provided by the team. "Game" is defined from the time team calisthenics begin.

10. No spectators are allowed in the dugout during a game. This includes parents,

family members, friends, girlfriends, scouts, etc.

11. Players are allowed to leave the dugout during a game for the following reasons only: to retrieve  a foul ball, go to the bathroom, warm up/stretch/throw, or in a medical or weather related emergency. Players are expected to perform the necessary function and return to the dugout without incident. Any other request to leave the dugout should be discussed with and approved by a member of the coaching staff.

12. When traveling to and from contests, we will meet at a designated location. It is acceptable for

players to travel to and from games with parents, but it is mandatory that a member of the coaching staff be informed of your intentions. When returning home after a road trip, all players traveling with the team will meet at the drop off point prior to dismissal. No one should leave until the coaches have returned and all are accounted for. Volunteer parent/guardian drivers to and from games are appreciated.

13. When traveling with the team and multiple drivers, we will use a procession. A member of the coaching staff will lead the procession; all other vehicles in our employ will fall behind, and another vehicle driven by a member of the coaching staff and/or a designated parent’s vehicle will be at the rear. Unsafe driving techniques (weaving, excessive speed, reckless driving, etc.) will not be tolerated.Parents/players who are asked to drive rostered team members to a game will be reimbursed for their fuel expenses. Those who receive a traffic ticket are responsible for their own fine, fees and applicable court costs. At no time should any object be thrown from or at another vehicle in the procession. Players heads, arms, hands, legs and feet should remain in the vehicle at all times.

14. The purchase, distribution or use of alcohol, tobacco or any other drug by a player without written

consent of a licensed, practicing physician is prohibited.

15. Any player who commits a misdemeanor criminal offense will be suspended indefinitely from the

team and faces possible dismissal from the team. The only exclusion from this policy noted is that of a traffic ticket with proper court/legal supervision. The commission of a felony offense by a player will result in immediate expulsion from the team. It should be noted that theft of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in immediate expulsion from the team.

16. Occasionally, the team will travel out of town and stay overnight at a hotel. Room assignments for players will be designated. Rooms are expected to be kept neat and clean. Any damage performed to a room is the financial responsibility of the player and his guardian. Players involved in such a situation will be sent home and dismissed from the team immediately. Under no circumstance whatsoever should a female guest of the hotel be present in a Post #200 hotel room while unchaperoned by an adult, coach or parent. Any player violating this rule will be dismissed.

17. When traveling and when applicable, players will receive $2.00 for breakfast, $3.00 for lunch and $5.00 for dinner. No player should ever have more than $20.00 of personal monies in his possession while participating, unless an extended (3+ day) stay is anticipated.

18. All players are required to help carry equipment at practices and at games.

1. Altercations between team players or opposing players are discouraged and prohibited. While

tempers can flare unexpectedly, any fighting will be disciplined by immediate suspension and probable dismissal from the team. Applicable city curfews are expected to be followed by all players, especially on nights prior to competition.

 

18. All players/guardians are expected to call a member of the coaching staff in the

event a practice or game is to be missed. If a player is late for a practice or a game

without a proper excuse, the penalty is 1 pole for every minute tardy. If a player is

absent without permission, the minimum penalty is an immediate suspension with a

maximum penalty of dismissal from the team. As an easy reminder, any

player/guardian can call (309) 787-7909, ext. 258 for current game day/practice

information or to leave a message as to a player’s whereabouts. This voice mail

box is time and date stamped.

19. All rostered players must submit a raised seal, certified birth certificate from the

county/state recorder of deeds/vital statistics office prior to the first game of the

season. Hospital certificates and/or photocopies are not allowed. These records

will be returned to each player at the conclusion of the season. Any player who fails

to submit a proper birth certificate is automatically ineligible for competition.

23. For those athletes who compete in more than one sport which requires additional

summer camps/training, the following applies: Camps/training activities should be

the players’ priority UNLESS it falls during the week(s) of the Legion post season

(District Tournament, Divisional Tournament, Department Tournament, Regional

Tournament or World Series.) During the aforementioned times, the program

assumes Legion Baseball is your priority. If you know there is an unavoidable

conflict between a summer camp or training commitment and the Legion post

season, please do not tryout. You will not be rostered.

24. In fairness to all who wish to compete, open tryouts are held annually. No roster

position is held for any player, returning or non-returning.

25.) Players are expected to uphold the Legion Code of Sportsmanship at all times.

In short: players will keep their temper regardless of victory or defeat, be good

sportsmen and never heckle opposing players, umpires or spectators.

Unless otherwise indicated, the penalties for any of the aforementioned rule violations will result (at a minimum) in an immediate suspension of practice/playing privileges, and a maximum penalty of dismissal from the team. The coaching staff will decide the severity of the penalty(ies) to be imposed for any rule(s) that is violated and/or for inappropriate behavior. All coaching staff disciplinary decisions are final.