Baseball teams from throughout the state of Alabama are headed to Demopolis, as the 2004 American Legion Seniors State Tournament will begin play Thursday, July 29, at the Demopolis SportsPlex.

Those team include: C. R. Vickery Post 12 from Dothan, Centreville Post 128, Florence Post 11 Blasters, T Post 80 from Andalusia, Athens Post 49, Tuscaloosa Post 34, Bessemer Cut-Off Post 149 and host team West Alabama Post 29.

West Alabama (28-19) comes into this week’s tournament after going 2-0 in the American Legion Senior Division 2 Baseball Tournament in Tuscaloosa.

Demopolis took a 6-5 come-from-behind win over Bessemer Post 149 in their first game of the tournament before crushing Tuscaloosa Post 34 9-1 in game two.

Although they have struggled at times this season, West Alabama has more than enough talent to win at state. And if they continue playing, much like they have over the past two weeks, a trip to Colorado could be in the making.

“I like our chances,” West Alabama General Manager, Gary Butler said. “I feel we are starting to come together at the right time. And I see no reason why we shouldn’t win state.”

All games are scheduled to be played on Webb Field with Field #2 being the tournaments back-up and practice field.

Demopolis Parks and Recreation Municipal Director of Recreation, Mark Pettus and his staff plan to have both fields in tip-top condition come Thursday.

“We are going to put our best foot forward with this tournament,” Pettus said. “Our 10-man field crew has been working around the clock, giving both Field #2 and Webb Field our fullest attention.”

The first game is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday with games to follow at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Game time Sunday is set at 1 p.m. with the Championship Game scheduled at 4 p.m. The “if” game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, August 2.

All pairings for the eight-team double elimination tournament will be made tonight at the opening banquet, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Demopolis Civic Center.

The banquet is open to the public, but there will be a $5 per plate fee.