We’re sliding into America’s favorite pastime this week with a focus on American Legion Baseball, 100 years after it all started. Plus, we visit North Carolina’s Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson, and take in the beauty of meticulously handcrafted products that honor America’s 250th birthday.
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America’s Enduring Pastime
100 years later, American Legion Baseball maintains a proud legacy
By Kurt Dusterberg
Baseball has long been part of our country’s summertime landscape. For more than a century, fans of America’s pastime have filled major league stadiums to watch the greats of the game. In mid-size towns across the country, minor league ballparks have added to the game’s charm with an up-close view of tomorrow’s stars.
But all across America, another brand of the game—one without much fanfare—has endured for a full century. American Legion Baseball claims more than 3,000 teams that play in local communities. Most players in the amateur baseball organization are older teens, but players as young as 13 are eligible. In many towns, teams are made up of college-bound players, while others do what they can to put together a team to play a summer schedule.
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Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson
8884 St. Philip’s Road SE
Winnabow, North Carolina
The Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson historic site sits on the banks of North Carolina’s Cape Fear River. Founded in 1726 as a bustling colonial port, Brunswick exported naval stores like tar, pitch, and turpentine, vital to the British navy. It served as the colony’s de facto capital, hosting royal governors and the colonial assembly. British forces razed the town in 1776 during the Revolutionary War, after which it was never rebuilt.
During the Civil War, Confederates constructed Fort Anderson atop the ruins to defend Wilmington. The site today features preserved colonial foundations, the remains of St. Philip’s Church, earthworks of the Confederate fort, and exhibits on both eras. Visitors can explore this layered landscape blending early American commerce, resistance, and conflict.
Custom Semiquincentennial Barrels
Prices start at $450
Celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday by ordering a custom-made Semiquincentennial oak barrel, either whole- or half-size, fitted with shelving and LED lights. Made in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, it’s perfect for storing whiskey glasses, wine bottles, or other beautiful treasures. This year only, the barrel features a hand-carved top with an eagle in flight in front of an American flag. Above the eagle, the artist has carved 2026 on the left side and 1776 on the right. Below the eagle, it reads, “250 Years of Freedom.” Text Scott at 919-219-3065 to order.
Heritage Flag Company Barrel Wood Series Flags
Prices vary
These handcrafted American flags by Southern Pines, North Carolina-based Heritage Flag Company are made from aged whiskey and bourbon barrels. Each piece is meticulously textured with chiseled stars and rich, natural wood tones, blending rustic character with fine craftsmanship. Shop flags here.
Thanks for reading, and remember to always … take the long way home.
A good mix of fine reading.