Famed historian on American Culture Jacques Barzun said in 1954, “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball”. For many who love the game, this remains true today. Baseball reflects American culture, our hopes and dreams. Among the eras when baseball and our country’s culture was most intertwined was during the Second World War. Of the more than 16 million Americans who served in World War II, nearly 40% were volunteers. Men chose to serve out of a sense of honor, allegiance and loyalty to the flag and the ideals it represents. They formed “America’s Greatest Generation” – a cohort defined by a shared unselfish sense of the greater good, of duty and honor. Four ballplayers do their part The heroism of Ted Williams and Bob Feller during the War is well-documented. Those two men weren’t alone in their service. This is the story of wartime contributions of a few lesser-known ball players: Lou Brissie, Buddy Lewis, George Earnshaw, and Al Niemiec. These men, like many Americans of the era, felt an undeniable drive to do the right thing. They exemplified the American culture and spirit of their time. Though their stories seem heroic […]