From inaugural season to powerhouse: Lennox Post 174 Junior Legion’s Championship Journey

[Editor’s Note: American Legion Baseball is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and in recognition of that milestone, Lennox Legion Post 174 is taking a look back at its own proud baseball tradition. This is the third installment in the series.]

In 2017, members of the Lennox American Legion Post sought to give local youth ages 15 to 16 the opportunity to participate in the South Dakota American Legion Baseball program. They approached the City of Lennox to request permission for the Legion to sponsor and enter this age group in Junior Legion Baseball. The city approved the request, and Lennox Legion Post 174 officially added the Junior Legion program that year. Notably, 2017 also marked the inaugural season of the Class B Junior Legion Division.

Since then, Lennox has experienced remarkable success, winning the State Junior Legion title in 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024. In fact, through 2024, Lennox Post 174 has claimed four of the eight State Tournament championships. In the years when Lennox didn’t win it all, they were defeated by the eventual state champion. More than once, fans remarked, “That was the championship game,” after Post 174’s elimination.

Lennox’s Junior Legion program has earned a reputation for excellence—built on the talent and dedication of the young athletes who have participated and the coaches who have led them. The following coaches have been instrumental in the program’s success: Todd Anderson, Merris Miller, Curt Lottman, Darin Eich, Jeff Spieler, Pat Dressen, Casey Vietor, and Matt Hanson. They are to be commended for their commitment and the winning culture they’ve helped build at Post 174. What follows is a look back at the championship seasons: 

2017—The first year of Post 174 Junior Legion baseball was very successful as the team won the state Tournament. To be the first Legion Post to win the first State Class B Junior Tournament was special. The team had an easy run and won the State Championship, 10-0 over the host team, Groton. Brock Anderson was named tournament MVP.

Coach’s Perspective—Todd Anderson:

It was fun to participate in and win the first SD Class B Junior Legion State Tournament. The team had a lot of State Tournament experience and was versatile with good pitching, hitting, defense and baseball knowledge. Anderson recalled there was a rain delay during the Championship game and the game got over late but didn’t affect the team.

Also the 2017 team had a lot of road games and was used to traveling. The boys on this team were easy to coach. Also parents and community supported this team as many did travel to Groton for the Tournament. It was a great Tournament as Groton people had a well run Tournament. 

2018—Lennox Post 174 Junior Legion picked up their second State Tournament Championship in Winner. During the semi-final game, Lennox was down seven runs after four innings. Things looked bleak but Post 174 battled back and tied the game at 9-all after six innings. They went on to win 13-9 in extra innings. Post 174 once again had a player selected MVP — Brandon Fodness. The team defeated Redfield in the Championship game. 

Coach’s Perspective — Merris Miller:

This Post 174 Junior team had a bunch of players that never gave up. They showed that in the big come back win in the semifinal game. This was a super talented team and very versatile as all team members could play multiple positions. Also this team had a deep pitching staff and there was a lot of team speed. 

2023—Lennox Post 174 returned to the Championship game in 2023 at their home field in Lennox. They won their first game to reach the semifinals. In the semifinal game they faced Sioux Falls Christian. This was quite a game as Post 174 pitcher, Talen Eich, threw a no-hit shutout against the opponent. What made this even more interesting is there was a fairly long rain delay, but Eich returned to the mound to complete the no hit shutout. Because of the heavy rain in Lennox the Championship game was moved to Salem. In the Championship, Lennox faced Winner. Post 174 jumped out to an early lead. Winner did battle back, but Post 174 held on for the win. Talen Eich was named State Tournament MVP. 

Coach’s Perspective — Darin Eich:

We went into this State Tournament hoping to have a good showing, but not expecting to win as this was a young team and two starters had been lost to injuries during the regular season. The team got a big momentum lift with their no-hit shutout win in the semifinal game. The day of the Championship game again caused concern as the game was moved to Salem. Homefield advantage was gone and the game was being played on turf infield, not a grass infield. When Winner started to rally, Coach Eich told pitcher Jackson Anacker to throw only fastballs as he was too fast for the opponent. After fighting through injuries, a consistent lineup was in place and all players bought in. 

2024—In 2024, Post 174 Junior Legion team returned to the State Tournament in Groton. This was a veteran team used to playing in tough games against tough competition and in tough environments. To get to the Championship game, Post 174 defeated Faulkton and Martin. Martin had upset the host team and tourney favorite, Groton, in the first match-up. Post 174 once again faced off against Winner in the Championship game. Post 174 prevailed to once again become State B Junior Legion Champs. Talen Eich was again named Tournament MVP and won the Big Stick Batting Title as well.

Coach’s Perspective — Darin Eich:

The 2024 Post 174 Junior Legion team had the majority of the prior year starters returning plus the two injured players so a successful season was expected. They were faced with a tough schedule and ended the regular season with 15 wins, 5 losses. Again this team had good pitching and defense plus solid hitting. The members of this team soaked in baseball and wanted to play every day. They were a very dedicated group to the sport.