IDAHO GOES DOWN The Idaho Falls Bandits are back in the American Legion, and baseball reigns supreme in the summer of 2025.
The Bandits were having victory parades through downtown and celebrating back-to-back American Legion World Series wins not so long ago.
The Bandits made their mark on local sports history with their triumph.
However, things change with time.
The Bandits made the decision to play as an independent team when Hillcrest added an American Legion AA team the previous year. The Bandits’ roster used to be made up of the best players from Idaho Falls and the surrounding areas because they were the only AA team in the town. Boundaries were altered by the addition of another team.
The transition to an independent squad, according to Bandits coach Ryan Alexander at the time, allowed for a larger roster and greater schedule flexibility while maintaining player development as a top emphasis.
However, Alexander stated that participating under the American Legion’s name was not the same as effectively playing as a trip ball club.
“We’re thrilled to be returning this year,” he remarked.
Indeed, the Bandits have returned to the American Legion and are performing in the Twin Falls, Pocatello, and Hillcrest districts.
Even though the independent Bandits organized a competitive schedule for the previous season, which included games against American Legion clubs, the organization was different, particularly in the postseason.
Playing in the Connie Mack regional tournament and trying to earn a spot in the Connie Mack World Series was the only postseason option available last year.
The Bandits have the opportunity to compete this year for a berth in the American Legion World Series, as well as a place in the state and regional tournaments.
According to Alexander, “I’m not a big fan of just playing to play.” I want these guys to play for something greater.
The Bandits have a strong postseason record lately. In 2019, they were the first Idaho team to win the American Legion World Series. COVID caused the 2020 season to be postponed, but the Bandits made a comeback to the World Series and won the title again in 2021.
The Bandits made it to the 2022 championship game just to lose heartbreakingly to Troy, Alabama, even though no club had ever won three consecutive World Series titles.
“American Legion has a certain quality that makes it authentic baseball,” Alexander remarked.
It’s probably far too early to start thinking about the playoffs. The Bandits had a 19-6 record going into their game versus Medford, Oregon, on Friday.
“The Bandits have good pitching, just like previous championship teams,” Alexander noted. Both depth and future Division 1 skill on the mound have helped the squad win in the past.
The outcome of this season will be determined by time.
But for the time being, everything in the baseball world appears to be in order.
Alexander remarked, “We’re thrilled to be back playing good baseball with something at the end of the tunnel.”
