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Sports

American Legion State Championship Baseball Tournament Returns to Peekskill Stadium

The 2011 State Championship games will take place July 27-30 with an opening ceremony on July 26.

With baseball season in full swing, we are reminded just how great this game can be. The sound of the ball hitting the bat and the roar of the crowd, coupled with the determination of the players and the excitement of a close call, are just a few of the characteristics that keep baseball fans adoring the sport.

In support of our national sport, the City of Peekskill welcomes baseball fans of all ages to come enjoy the American Legion NYS 17+U Baseball Tournament as this exciting event returns to the Peekskill Stadium for the second summer in a row. This year, the Legion’s Mahopac Post 1080 will be running the State Championship.

 “We like Peekskill, and we like the stadium," said Coach Sonny Gracci, one of the tourny's organizers. He added that last year's tournament went well.

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The annual tournament will gather players ages 17 and under, and will take place from Wednesday, July 27 to Saturday, July 30. During this time six leagues from across New York atate will participate in a total of fourteen games. The winner of these games will claim the title of State Champions and move on to compete in the American Legion Regional Tournament.

As a kick-off to the tournament, the festivities will begin on July 26 with an official ceremony and barbeque at the Peekskill Stadium for the players and their families.

Find out what's happening in Peekskill-Cortlandtwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition to participants from all over New York, many spectators are expected to make the venture to the Peekskill Stadium as well.

“People will come from all over the state and stay for about 4-5 days,” said Gracci. “There is plenty of housing and hotels for everyone coming,” he added.

Baseball fans that can’t make it out to the stadium in person need not fear. All of the tournament’s games, as well as the opening ceremony, will be broadcast live on state-wide government television channels, and will also be available for live streaming on the internet via the City of Peekskill’s website, courtesy of MJM Video Productions.

"This is going to be a great way to showcase local and state-wide talent,” said Michael Miner of MJM Video Productions.

Miner, who filmed two of the games that took place at the Peekskill Stadium last year, is happy to produce again this year. The producer/director says this year’s broadcast will be improved from the previous year because of new technology acquired by MJM, which allows for features such as slow-motion replay, graphics, and possibly the most exciting for baseball fans, live transmission.

In an effort to promote Peekskill tourism, clips of some of the city’s best attributes will roll during the tournament’s broadcast.

“The tournament’s venue is beautiful, and a great place to watch a game” said Miner. “It’s something Peekskill should be proud of. We want to show everybody watching how wonderful Peekskill is, and share the city around the state.”

Game times will be released closer to the start date of the tournament, and will be updated as the games are played. Check back with Patch for coverage and highlights throughout the tournament.

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