BREAKING THE SILENCE: Two Nebraska American Legion Baseball Programs Set the Standard for Transparency While Others Remain in the Dark

In a groundbreaking move toward accountability, our investigation into Nebraska American Legion Baseball programs has uncovered a tale of two realities. While many programs' financial practices remain obscured, two Posts have emerged as beacons of transparency, demonstrating that open and ethical financial management is not only possible—it's already happening right here in Nebraska.

Champions of Transparency

These Posts have proven that transparency isn't just an ideal—it's achievable. Through their exemplary practices, they've shown what true accountability looks like in American Legion Baseball. Their willingness to open their books and maintain clear financial records sets a powerful precedent for all Nebraska programs.

Post 6, Central City, NE	Post 154, Blair, NE
Schedule O FY2022 Baseball Program Total Revenue: $36,493 Total Expenses: $25,234 - Baseball Coach Expenses $260 - Baseball Program: $24,974	Schedule O FY2022 Baseball Program Total Expenses: $38,600 - Baseball Coach $7,500 - Baseball Concessions $3,626 - Baseball Equipment $1,273 - Baseball Fundraising $7,406 - Baseball Meals - $99 - Baseball Tournament $7,420 - Baseball Umpires $5,909 - Baseball Uniforms $6,367

Thank you for being transparent for our communities. If Post 6 or Post 154 are interested in sharing more about how they run their program as an example of what good could look like, please reach out.

Initial Assessment Key Findings

Our initial assessment of 17 American Legion Post Programs revealed significant disparities in financial transparency. This evaluation aims to:

• Help programs achieve proper compliance

• Ensure responsible management of funds

• Support posts in maintaining accurate financial records

Here is the overview of the first 17 of the roughly 85+ Post Programs:

Note: there are currently 177 total NE teams registered in the National American Legion. Of these there are 25 SR teams and 22 JR teams with no Post sponsorships. We will ultimately consider these teams/programs in the Non-Compliance list when we complete the assessment.

URGENT NOTICE TO PARENTS AND DONORS

⚠️ Before making any financial commitments or donations, verify your program's compliance status. Programs not meeting basic transparency requirements should be approached with caution.

Path to Compliance

Over the next week we will complete our Initial Assessment of all Programs. We're extending a helping hand to Posts ready to embrace transparency. For programs willing to step into the light:

• Strive towards compliance, submit your complete balance sheets; remember we provided a template in an earlier blog.

• Receive guidance on compliance requirements

• Join the ranks of programs setting the standard for accountability

Moving Forward

The time for change is now. As we continue our investigation, we invite all Nebraska American Legion Baseball programs to follow the example set by our transparency leaders.

The question remains: Will the Department of Nebraska continue to resist these reasonable requests for accountability, or will they join us in championing transparency? The Jury is still out!

Reference File:

ALB May05_2025_Website.pdf

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