Allen Ackerman — baseball coach and Claremonter who died April 29, 2017 at age 87 — will be inducted into the California American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame July 20 at UCLA’s Jackie Robinson Stadium, 100 Constitution Ave., Los Angeles. The award will be presented during a ceremony prior to the 5 p.m. CALB Commission’s 2023 California State Championship game.

Ackerman is being recognized for his outstanding commitment to excellence in training youth, as well as his leadership, dedication, and service to American Legion Baseball in California, read a news release.

Ackerman was raised in North Long Beach and attended Compton High School, Compton College and San Jose State University. In addition to baseball, he played football, basketball, and track and field. He was also a U.S. Naval Reserve and member of the LA County Sheriff’s Boys Band, now the LASD Band.

He moved to Claremont in 1962 with his wife, Phyllis, and children Dennis, Craig, and Terry. He was a member of the American Legion Keith Powell Post 78 and baseball chairman of California American Legion’s 18th District, where he became commissioner in 1968.

He was involved with American Legion Baseball in Southern California from the 1960s through the 1970s. He coached numerous teams as well as the hundreds of players who went on to play high school, college and even professional baseball.

For more information or to attend the July 20 ceremony, call (858) 204-0119 or email dackerman51@gmail.com.

Click here to read Ackerman’s Courier obituary.