Remembering Baseball's Heroes: World War II

Baseball has long been known as America’s pastime, drawing millions of fans’ attention every summer. Being a professional baseball player is a common dream that boys all over the world aspire to.

In the early 1940s, that dream was put on hold for hundreds of young professional baseball players across the country, as the nation began its involvement in World War II.

As we remember the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, let’s take a moment to remember just a few of the hundreds who put their careers on hold to serve their country.

Bob Feller

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COOPERSTOWN, NY - JULY 25: Hall of Famer Bob Feller attends the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center on July 25, 20010 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Bob "Bullet Bob" Feller is the Cleveland Indians' all-time win leader with 266. He pitched the only recorded opening day no-hitter in 1940.

Feller enlisted the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and missed four seasons of baseball while serving in the war. He was decorated with five service ribbons and earned eight battle stars.

Hank Greenberg

Hammerin’ Hank Greenberg spent many years as the Detroit Tigers' first baseman, winning MVP honors in 1935 and 1940. Greenberg ended his career in 1947 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In 1940, Greenberg was first drafted into service. He accepted his service and followed orders. Just days before Pearl Harbor was attacked, he was released from service after it was deemed that the draft would be limited to individuals below a certain age. After the attack on December 7, Greenberg voluntarily re-enlisted and served in the Air Force.

Ted Williams

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BOSTON - JULY 22: Ted Williams' Hall of Fame plaque is shown during a tribute to the former Red Sox great at Fenway Park on July 22, 2002 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

Two-time AL MVP Ted Williams had one of the most decorated careers of any major league player in history. Finishing with a career batting average of .341, Williams is known as one of the best hitters of all time.

His numbers may have been even more impressive had he not served as a naval pilot from 1942-1946. Williams remained in the reserves after his service in World War II, and would ultimately serve in the Korean War as well.

Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson is best known for being the first major leaguer to break the color barrier, doing so in April of 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. His contributions to championship ball clubs aren’t forgotten, as he is a Hall of Famer. His number is retired league-wide and displayed in all major league stadiums.

Before breaking the color barrier in professional baseball, Robinson served in the armed services from 1942 to 1944 after being drafted and listed to the Army Cavalry unit. His service was somewhat tumultuous, as he was at one point court-martialed for insubordination related to a segregated bus line. 

Phil Rizzuto

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NEW YORK - MAY 02: The plaque of Phil Rizzuto is seen in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox on May 2, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the White Sox 12-

Phil 'Scooter' Rizzuto began his major league career in 1941 with the New York Yankees. His career was quickly put on hold, as he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942. Rizzuto served on the Pacific front until 1945, at which point he was discharged and sent home.

In 1946, Rizzuto resumed his playing career with the Yankees. In eleven seasons with the Yankees, Rizzuto was a five time all star and a seven time World Series champion.

Gil Hodges

Gil Hodges spent over fifteen years with the Dodgers organization, playing in both Brooklyn and Los Angeles. An eight-time All-Star selection, Hodges also earned three Gold Glove awards.

Hodges entered the Marine Corps during World War II, serving as an anti-aircraft gunner. Hodges received a Bronze Star for courage under fire for his actions at the battle of Okinawa.

Yogi Berra

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NEW YORK - APRIL 13: New York Yankee Hall of Famer Yogi Berra looks on prior to the Yankees playing the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the Yankees home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim

One of the most well-known Yankees of all time, Yogi Berra owns an impressive ten World Series championship rings. Inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1972, Berra also spent a number of years managing both the Yankees and Mets.

Berra spent a number of years serving as a gunner's mate in Europe during World War II, and was present during the D-Day invasion at Normandy.

Joe DiMaggio

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NEW YORK - MAY 02: The plaque of Joe DiMaggio is seen in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox on May 2, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the White Sox 12-

Thirteen-time All-Star Joe DiMaggio is known for his role in the success of the New York Yankees during the 1930s and 1940s, but he may be best remembered for his 56-game hitting streak, a record that still stands to this day.

In 1943, DiMaggio enlisted in the US Army Air Force, ultimately rising to a final rank of Sergeant. In September of 1945, DiMaggio was discharged from service and continued his playing career.