World War II was the biggest war in history. The war started on September 1, 1939 and lasted to September 2, 1945. Over 50 countries were involved, including the United States (from December 8, 1941 to September 2, 1945). It affected nearly every single person's daily life. It also affected amateur and professional sports throughout the United States of America. Many Americans have praised professional baseball players that served in World War II, others have said professional baseball players used their fame or position in baseball to serve in the war but avoid combat and have an easy life in the military. Contribution of professional baseballers in World War II has been debated for decades. Baseball players did effectively contribute to the war effort of World War II. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, American was thrown full force into the war. Over 16 million Americans served in World War II, that is roughly 11% of the United States’ population at the time (WWII Foundation). “Every American male between the ages of 21 and 36 was required to register for 12 months of military service ‘to ensure the independence and freedom of the United States.’ The draft put nearly two million men in uniform by the end of 1941 - it was the greatest defense program in the history of the nation.” (Bedingfield). Only 11% of the United States population participated in World War II but, the war affected much more than 11% of the population. The professional baseball scene was greatly affected. Over 500 major league baseball players served in the United States Military including Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, and Stan Musial (Robert Weintraub). Most troops spent around 40 days in combat; the majority of soldiers who were drafted were lower ranking and put on the front lines. Back on the homefront women began working as welders, electricians and riveters in defense plants (History.com). Most professional baseball players got special rolls in the military. Huge stars like Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams were stationed in Hawaii (an
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Only two major league player died, Elmer Gedeon and Harry O’Neill. These two players had brief time in the major leagues so they could not make a name for themselves. These men were put on the frontlines and served extensively. Gedeon died in a plane crash while flying a mission over France, O’ Neill died on the island of Iwo Jima while standing in a crater with one of his squad mates (Robert Weintraub). Ted Williams attempted to use his position in baseball to escape from serving. He fought the draft board saying he is the only supporter of his mother but, once the press heard about this Williams signed up to avoid negative press (Omni Military Loans). This demonstrates how Williams (and possibly other players) attempted to avoid the war and no contribute but were somewhat forced into contribution. Yogi Berra was professional baseball player who was drafted into the Navy. Berra volunteered to man a rocket boat during the invasion of Normandy. Yogi is an example of a baseball player who contributed to the war and went above and beyond the call of duty by volunteering. There were many other like Yogi Berra; Joe Pinder, Jack Lummus, and Bob Feller are just a few other professional baseball players who served in combat and also went above the call of duty (David
Only two major league player died, Elmer Gedeon and Harry O’Neill. These two players had brief time in the major leagues so they could not make a name for themselves. These men were put on the frontlines and served extensively. Gedeon died in a plane crash while flying a mission over France, O’ Neill died on the island of Iwo Jima while standing in a crater with one of his squad mates (Robert Weintraub). Ted Williams attempted to use his position in baseball to escape from serving. He fought the draft board saying he is the only supporter of his mother but, once the press heard about this Williams signed up to avoid negative press (Omni Military Loans). This demonstrates how Williams (and possibly other players) attempted to avoid the war and no contribute but were somewhat forced into contribution. Yogi Berra was professional baseball player who was drafted into the Navy. Berra volunteered to man a rocket boat during the invasion of Normandy. Yogi is an example of a baseball player who contributed to the war and went above and beyond the call of duty by volunteering. There were many other like Yogi Berra; Joe Pinder, Jack Lummus, and Bob Feller are just a few other professional baseball players who served in combat and also went above the call of duty (David