The New York State American Legion is proud to announce the recipients of its annual American Legion Baseball Scholarships, recognizing outstanding student-athletes who embody the values of academic excellence, sportsmanship, and community service. Each year, the program awards one $1,000 scholarship to the first-place winner and $500 scholarships to the second, and third, recipients. These awards represent the Legion’s ongoing commitment to supporting the educational goals of young athletes across New York State.

This year’s First Place Scholarship Winner is PJ Summa, a four year player for Smith Post 24 out of Rome, New York.  PJ will attend Utica University this fall, majoring in Nursing with the career goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)..

Our Second Place Scholarship Winner is Reece Jantzi, who has played for Utica Post 229 for the past four years. Reece will be attending Russell Sage College, where he plans to major in Business-Sports Management. By all accounts, Reece is well-positioned to succeed in his academic and professional career, and we wish him the very best as he takes this next step.

The Third Place Scholarship Winner is Ryan Maltbie of Leo Laders Post 130 in Rockland, N. Ryan will attend Penn State University, pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. Having graduated in the top 5% of his class, Ryan has demonstrated the academic discipline and drive that will surely make him a terrific engineer in the future.

“These young men represent the very best of what American Legion Baseball stands for,” said New York State Baseball Chairman, Mike Macchione. “We are honored to support their future educational endeavors while recognizing their contributions both on and off the field.”

In addition to the Department scholarships, all state winners are automatically considered for The American Legion All-Academic Team, sponsored by Diamond Sports, the official baseball supplier for American Legion national tournaments.

Eight players, selected by the Scholarship Selection Committee at The American Legion World Series, will receive an additional $2,500 scholarship. A ninth player, chosen as the Most Outstanding Member of the All-Academic Team, will receive an additional $5,000 scholarship.

Scholarship Guidelines
* Recipients may begin utilizing their awards immediately following graduation from an accredited high school.
* Scholarships must be used within **eight (8) years** of graduation, excluding periods of active military duty.
* Awards may be applied toward tuition at any state-accredited post-secondary institution.
* Disbursements are made jointly to the student and the institution at the start of each semester by The American Legion National Treasurer.

About American Legion Baseball
Since its founding in 1925, American Legion Baseball has provided young athletes with opportunities to develop teamwork, leadership, and character, while competing at the highest levels of amateur baseball. Today, it remains one of the nation’s premier youth programs, shaping future leaders both on and off the diamond.