American Legion Ocean Beaches Post 129 honored local high school students who made up the Post 129 "Beach Rats" Junior and Senior teams at the post over the weekend.
The Beach Rats Junior team won the Florida State Tournament, and the Senior team was runner-up in the Florida Northern Division Tournament and advanced to the American Legion Baseball State Tournament in Clearwater, Fla.
Students from area high schools and middle schools, with most attending Duncan U. Fletcher High School, made up both teams managed by coach Jeremiah "Boomer" Bernstein.
"Altogether, we had about 30 students involved, with 17 roster spots on each team, with the senior team comprised mostly of juniors and seniors, with the younger team comprised of mostly rising juniors, sophomores and a couple freshmen," Boomer said. "The teams had a great time playing, and none of this would have been possible without the financial support from Post 129."
This is the second year Post 129 has sponsored the team, committing up to $12,000 in 2026 to cover the cost of team registrations and insurance, uniforms, baseball equipment and fees for umpires and coaches.
"We've been proud to support this effort over the last two years," said Post 129 Commander Jim Wineland. "We think with the costs of private summer baseball programs increasing, this is a very economical option for families to have their kids involved in sports over the summer months."
Boomer noted that American Legion Baseball was very popular in the late 1990s before it took a back seat to travel baseball.
"But it's starting to make a comeback, since families are beginning to realize that you can do it at a reasonable cost, especially with sponsorships, and there's quality competition," he said. "It's a highly competitive, affordable pathway to college baseball and getting professional scouting exposure, all while teaching civic leadership and discipline."
Combined, the Junior and Senior teams played over 40 games locally before the Senior team advanced to the state tournament.
Legion Baseball emphasizes sportsmanship, good health and active citizenship, and the program is open to young athletes regardless of income level.
American Legion Post 129, located at 1151 Fourth St. S. in Jacksonville Beach, is a 501(c)(16) nonprofit organization that provides volunteers and donations to support community nonprofits and veteran programs, including suicide prevention, in the Jacksonville Beaches area. For more information on membership and events, visit post129.org.
