Way out west in Southern California, San Diego Downtown Post 492 is alive and well. Like all American Legion posts, we are striving hard to help veterans, support youth and grow our post. We are especially proud of our post for supporting Girls and Boys State, Legion Baseball and providing vital information to numerous veterans in the San Diego area.

We have a rich history regarding Legion Baseball. Past commander of Post 492, Billy Capps (center), played on the 1954 Post 492 baseball team that won The American Legion National Championship.

Bill Swank (right) is an avid supporter of the post's team, the Panthers. The Panthers are named after the U.S. Marine Corps F9F Panther aircraft that Marine Corps Captain Ted Williams flew during World War II and the Korean War. Bill is a National League and Legion Baseball history expert. He has numerous articles and books published documenting baseball history.

On the left is the post's action man. Dante Pamintuan organizes the team's activities, particularly at Hoover High School, which serves as the team's home field. Ted Williams and Billy Capps both graduated from Hoover High School.