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By Legion All-Star Game Chairman Bruce VandenPlas

Special Contribution to WisSports.net



American Legion 2010 All Star Game Review



The 39th Annual American Legion All-Star weekend was held in Milwaukee on August 7-8, 2010 with a strong show of support from American Legion Posts throughout the state.



The Saturday evening banquet was held at the Radisson Inn and was attended by more than 220 who were there to honor the athletes. The guest speaker for the occasion was Mr. Mark Fuller, head baseball coach at Cumberland High School. He gave a very inspirational speech on the importance of focus and dedication in pursuing lifelong goals.



On Sunday, more than 120 attended the annual breakfast. The athletes were presented their 2010 All-Star hats and patches.  



That afternoon, the athletes had the memorable experience of being introduced before the Brewer/Houston Astro game.  As part of the festivities, bench coach Willie Randolph of the Brewers, presented the Player of the Year Scholarship Award to Adam Bunkoske from Beaver Dam.  Mr. Randolph was standing in for our Honorary Chairman of this event, Greg Zaun, whose generous donation helped fund the scholarship for Adam. We thank Greg Zaun for his commitment to American Legion Baseball. 



State Commander Robert Batty, Post 288 Cedarburg, threw out the first pitch. We had the distinct privilege of having the colors of the United States presented by Post 524 from White Lake.  The White Lake Post sold the most tickets for the game and won the honor of presenting the colors.  Also joining the festivities were State Adjutant David Kurtz, Post 23 Milwaukee, State Baseball President Peder Swanson, Post 138 Viroqua, and Baseball Commissioner Stan Torstensen, Squadron 183 Genoa City.



At the conclusion of the Brewers/Astros game which the Brewers won handily 11-6, the All-Star game was played on the field of beautiful Miller Park. The All-Star game was a terrific affair in which the North team prevailed 13-10.  The MVP award went to Ryan Popelka from White Lake and the Chairman s award was presented to Ryan Boettcher from Bonduel, who hit the first Grand Slam Home Run in the history of the game.  All in all, it was a wonderful and memorable weekend for all involved. 



We thank the Milwaukee Brewers and owner Mr. Mark Anttanasio along with Mr. Chris Barlow for once again allowing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take place for the players, coaches and families of these fine athletes.  The Baseball Association, once again, hopes that the Milwaukee Brewers will allow us to play this wonderful contest again next year in Miller Park.  The Brewers organization continues to show support for Legion Baseball by helping to coordinate the game. The Brewer s are the only Major League Baseball team that permits an American Legion All-Star game to be played on their field.



Thank you to all of the individuals that help make this one of the finest American Legion functions around and to all of the more than 2000 individuals that purchased tickets to the game.  Ticket sales help further the cause of American Legion Baseball which provides wholesome activity for over 3,500 young men across Wisconsin each year.



Bruce VandenPlas

All-Star Game Chairman