Owensboro’s American Legion Post 9 Bombers baseball team is hosting its annual ham and smoked bologna fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting the team’s growth and development. The event has been a tradition for nearly a decade and will be held on November 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 until November 23. Tickets are available through team manager Matt Freeman or at the Legion bar. Freeman can be reached by call or text at 270-570-0005.
Freeman shared that this fundraiser is essential for sustaining the Bombers and allowing the team to cover expenses and keep player costs down.
“We don’t want families to have to spend thousands of dollars each summer just to keep their kids in baseball,” Freeman said. “Our goal is to provide high-quality competition locally.”
Founded nationally in 1925, American Legion Baseball is one of the country’s oldest youth baseball programs. Its goal 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 squad has won 17 titles, including the last four in a row.
Throughout history, the team has provided a platform for local youth to develop athletic and personal skills. Freeman emphasized that these interactions offer a unique learning experience for young athletes.
“It’s one of the best parts of coaching here,” he said. “The team becomes a bridge between generations, with our players learning about service and responsibility from the veterans.”
In recent years, the Bombers have found success on the field, achieving four consecutive state championships and aspirations to advance to the American Legion Baseball World Series.
Owensboro native and former MLB umpire Larry Vanover has played a pivotal role in the program’s renaissance. He supports the team’s rebirth with a vision focused on character-building and community involvement. While he was umpiring, he leaned on Scott Dotson to serve as the general manager.
After noticing the program had fallen from its former prestige, Vanover took on a leadership role about a decade ago. Since then, he has worked with a dedicated team, including Freeman, to create a structured, high-caliber program. Freeman is assisted by Gary Haire and Daylin Crabtree, both of whom Vanover said are proven leaders.
“These kids need a positive place, a goal to work towards,” Vanover said. “Baseball is just the vehicle, but we’re helping them learn life skills — commitment, work ethic, responsibility to their teammates. That’s what we’re really about.”
With continued support from local sponsors and organizations such as Champion Ford, the Horn Foundation, the VFW, and the Post 9 veterans, Vanover said the Bombers are poised to keep growing and improving. Vanover noted that while the players benefit greatly from the support, the veterans and community members also find meaning in contributing to the team’s success.
Vanover added that Post 9 Commander Charlie Lagadinos and Nick Hetman have also played a pivotal role in the program’s success.
“There’s 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 reintroduced a JR program to develop younger players. Casey Hamilton, the baseball manager at Brescia University, will lead the squad. Vanover and Freeman hope the JR program will build skills early and provide a pipeline for future Bombers players.
“Adding the JR program under a coach as experienced as Casey is a big step forward,” Vanover said. “It’s all about providing a foundation where young athletes can learn, grow, and eventually compete at higher levels.”
This past spring, Freeman contacted Vanover to help orchestrate a memorable experience for the team. A day before they played in the regional tournament in Illinois, Vanover arranged for the team to catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field — a 40-minute trip from their tournament site.
“It’s about more than just the wins and losses,” Vanover said. “We want these young men to have experiences they’ll remember, to see the bigger picture of what baseball can offer.”
Freeman mentioned plans to work toward a new baseball field, giving the team a dedicated space to practice and compete.
“A field of our own would be a game-changer,” Freeman said. “It would allow us to build a true home for the Bombers, a place our community can rally around.”
As the Bombers continue to aim for new heights, their annual fundraiser is a chance for the community to rally behind the team. Vanover said they are always accepting donations, and anyone interested in supporting the Bombers can stop by the Legion anytime.
