The History of Baseball During WWII
During World War II, baseball was undoubtedly the most popular sport in America. It was during the 1940's and 1950's that baseball became known as America's pastime. Just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, baseball commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis was unsure whether baseball should continue to be played, with America's involvement in the war now inevitable. President Roosevelt sent the commissioner a letter saying the game should continue--even though many baseball players would enlist or be drafted into the military--because it was best for the country.
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The Facts
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While Major League Baseball continued play during World War II, many of its players were in the armed forces. Over the course of America's involvement in World War II, more than 500 major leaguers--including 35 future Hall of Famers--served in the United States military. Two major league players, Harry O'Neill and Elmore Gedeon, died in service.
Significance
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It is extremely important to realize the sacrifices that so many people made during the time of the war. It is unlikely that we will ever see so many professional athletes who lived in the spotlight give it all up for their country. In today's age, where many athletes will not represent their country in the Olympics due to potentially jeopardizing money down the line, it is important to understand that so many athletes were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
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Considerations
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All-time greats such as Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Bob Feller and Hank Greenburg gave up time during the prime of their careers to serve. Many have the opinion that if not for World War II, baseball's history books would look far different. Williams may very well have retired as the all-time home run leader and gone down as the greatest player in baseball history if not for the years he missed while serving his country.
Baseball Played During the War
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Even without some of its biggest stars, Major League Baseball continued to play during World War II. While there is no doubt that the talent level was lowered, baseball continued to flourish in America as people sought it out as a way to maintain some normalcy. The Yankees and Cardinals each won multiple World Series and were the dominant teams during this time.
Reaction to Baseball Being Played
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At the beginning of World War II, there was much talk that baseball should suspend operations just as it had during World War I. Those talks quickly subsided after The Sporting News printed an article in which soldiers who were overseas were interviewed. The soldiers gave a huge amount of support to the sport and said that America's pastime must continue to move forward.
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