The Kenai Post 20 Twins are honoring a century of American Legion Baseball and the legacy of their late coach, Lance Coz, during a special commemorative event Saturday at Coral Seymore Memorial Park.
As the national youth baseball program turns 100, Post 20 is joining American Legion teams across the country in marking the milestone — but today’s celebration carries special meaning for the Kenai community.
The Twins are hosting the Wasilla Post 35 Road Warriors as part of the day’s events, which include a memorial tribute to Coz, who managed the Kenai Twins from their founding in 1975 until his passing in 2020 at the age of 73.
“He was and always will be the heart and soul of the Kenai Twins Post 20 American Legion baseball team,” organizers said in a statement.
Over a 45-year coaching career, Coz led the Twins to 43 state tournament appearances — including 35 consecutive berths since 1986 — and guided the team to state championships in 1991, 1995, 2012, and 2016. Under his leadership, the program developed hundreds of young men, including two of the three Alaskans to ever reach Major League Baseball — Marshall Boze and Chris Mabeus.
Despite battling diabetes and losing part of his right leg, Coz remained a constant presence on the field, known for his tenacity, commitment, and generosity. His players remember him not only for his strategic mind but also for his pregame speeches, annual team potlucks, and a code he called “The Twins Way.”
“He always talked about the ones that walked before you,” the team’s statement read. “His yearly speech to the new players: you are going to carry this on.”
Saturday’s centennial celebration began with warm-ups at 11:15 a.m. and a ceremonial tribute at 11:40, followed by a first pitch thrown by a local delegate, caught by Ari Miller. The event also recognized American veterans in attendance and included the presentation of colors and national anthem.
Coz’s memory was honored with a moment of reflection and gratitude from both fans and former players, many of whom credit the coach with shaping their lives both on and off the diamond.
“He would have crawled over glass to watch the Twins play baseball,” the tribute read. “He will be greatly missed by anyone that has played or been involved with American Legion baseball in Alaska.”
As the game began, players took the field in a spirit of remembrance and tradition — guided by the words Coach Coz used to shout from the dugout: “Think, hustle, and always communicate.”
The national American Legion Baseball program, founded in 1925, has produced legends like Yogi Berra, Ted Williams, and Albert Pujols, and has impacted millions of youth with its focus on sportsmanship, citizenship, and service.
For Kenai, the legacy of Lance Coz will remain a permanent part of that storied tradition.