To the editor:

This Saturday at 12:30 p.m., before New Ulm Legion Gold plays in the Upper Midwest Classic Tournament at Johnson Park, our community will honor the 1985 Legion team, a group of young men who achieved the extraordinary. Forty years ago, these “Renegades” captivated New Ulm and Minnesota, hosting and winning the American Legion Great Lakes Regional at historic Johnson Park.

They defeated state champions from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania with stellar pitching, clutch hitting, and spectacular defense, earning a trip to the American Legion World Series. Their teamwork forged lifelong friendships and fueled their success as entrepreneurs, engineers, coaches, military leaders, attorneys, government officials, and local business leaders.

The players are deeply grateful to American Legion Post 132, family, friends, and fans for their support during that unforgettable summer of baseball, which shaped their lives. Join us to celebrate this legendary team’s legacy.

Marshall Bloomer

Columbus, Indiana

— Marshall Bloomer was a first baseman on the 1985 New Ulm Legion team