World War II claimed the lives of two Major League Baseball players, Elmer Gedeon and Harry O’Neill. While over 500 MLB players served, Gedeon and O’Neill were the only two to be killed in action.
World War II claimed the lives of two Major League Baseball players, Elmer Gedeon and Harry O’Neill. While over 500 MLB players served, Gedeon and O’Neill were the only two to be killed in action.
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On March 6, 1945, Harry O’Neill, an American baseball player and one of only two major leaguers killed in action during World War II was shot by a sniper on Iwo Jima and died.
Hall of Famers Bob Feller, Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, Willie Mays, Pee Wee Reese and Warren Spahn famously interrupted their careers to serve. Yogi Berra took part in the D-Day invasion before his Major League debut, while Christy Mathewson and Ty Cobb served in the Army’s Chemical Service after their baseball careers were over.
RIP fallen brothers
Wow, I was literally just wondering this yesterday after seeing a photo of Ted Williams piloting a fighter plane.
That’s a shitty club to be a member of. I’m actually amazed that it’s not more.
Thank you for your service
Does the baseball hall of fame have a designated section for players who served in WW2 or Vietnam? I’d be curious to see more stories like this.
I wish MLB would do more to recognize the sacrifice these guys made. Maybe a display at the HOF to recognize them.
With that said, every fallen soldier should be honored.