Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: U.S. Military All-Stars ~ 27 June 2016
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | StarCMC and The Canteen Crew

Posted on 06/26/2016 5:04:21 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska

For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces.

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today!

~ Hall of Heroes ~

US Military All-Stars

Info from here.

ArmyPatch small   NavySeal small   Air Force Seal   Marines Seal small   Coast Guard Seal small (better)

The modern US Military All Stars was founded originally as the U.S. Navy Baseball Club by retired U.S. Navy Commander Terry Allvord in Pensacola, Florida in 1990 before moving to San Diego for the 1993 season. This program is the leader in armed forces baseball in the modern era. Allvord went on to establish over 40 single-service armed forces teams in every branch of the military around the globe. Tryouts are held every year to form the most talented military and first responders team to compete as the U.S. Military All-Stars during the annual "Red, White and Blue Tour" The team features active duty, reserve, Veterans, Delayed Entry Program and First Responders. The continuation of two wars has limited the availability of armed forces players. As a result, beginning in 2010 the team will be known as "US Military All Stars" allowing a limited number of former MLB, current professional, summer collegiate and first responders the opportunity to join the tour. Players interested in the military and willing to support the mission will continue to pay their own expenses while off-duty to compete against the finest professional, independent and summer collegiate programs in the world.

Soldiers of the Continental Army played ball at Valley Forge during the American Revolution. U.S. citizens played more modern versions of the British games of cricket and rounders through the early 19th century, often called "town ball". In the 1840s, New Yorker Alexander Joy Cartwright and his acquaintances played a game they called “base ball” that was very similar to the game we know today.

On June 19, 1846, in a contest many historians consider the first scheduled baseball game, Cartwright’s New York Knickerbockers Baseball Club was defeated by the New York Baseball Club, 23-1, in four innings.

(Stories later arose saying Abner Doubleday invented the game, but historians generally regard the stories as myths.)

During the American Civil War, soldiers on both sides played baseball to pass the time between battles. In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first openly professional baseball team. By the end of the 19th century, baseball was known as "America's Pastime." Baseball in WWII by Gary Bedingfield

At the outbreak of the European conflict in 1939, the majority of Americans favored neutrality. There was little desire to become involved in a European problem, and in any case, the nation's fighting force was totally unprepared to do so. At that time, the ill-equipped Army totaled a meager 240,000 men, while the fledgling Army Air Corps operated with obsolete airplanes and fewer than 20,000 personnel. Only the United States Navy could hold its head high with a Pacific Fleet of 82 warships.

Nevertheless, as the Japanese began to fulfill their territorial ambitions in the Pacific and war clouds loomed, the United States prepared to defend itself. The first stage towards increasing the nation's fighting force was the Selective Training and Service Act, or draft, signed by President Roosevelt on September 16, 1940. 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.

The draft affected every profession, and baseball was no exception. In 1941, major league baseball was at its zenith, enjoying a momentous year. Ted Williams batted .406, Joe DiMaggio hit safely in 56 consecutive games, 41-year-old Lefty Grove got his 300th career win, and Dodgers' catcher Mickey Owen was forever immortalized for mishandling a pitch that cost Brooklyn the World Series. Meanwhile, baseball bid a resounding farewell to the first two players to enter military service.

Holding the distinction of being the first major league regular to be drafted in World War II, Hugh "Losing Pitcher" Mulcahy - a veteran with the Philadelphia Phillies - was inducted on March 8, 1941, and reported to Camp Devens, Massachusetts. The 27-year-old right-hander earned his nickname by losing 76 games between 1937 and 1940 as a starter with the senior circuit's perennial basement team. Mulcahy proudly told The Sporting News, "My losing streak is over for the duration ... I'm on a winning team now."

Detroit Slugger Hank Greenberg, a celebrated star of the time and future Hall of Famer, received his draft call on May 7, 1941. "Hammerin' Hank" had played in three World Series and two all-star games - he hit 58 home runs in 1938 (just two short of Babe Ruth's 1927 record) and was the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1940. Greenberg gave up his $55,000 yearly salary for $21 per month Army pay and reported to Fort Custer, Michigan. He told The Sporting News, "If there's any last message to be given to the public, let it be that I'm going to be a good soldier."

Likewise, minor league baseball's vast manpower pool responded to the nation's call to arms. Billy Southworth Jr, an outfielder with the Toronto Maple Leafs and son of the St Louis Cardinals' manager, was one of the first professional ballplayers to enter military service by voluntarily enlisting in the Army Air Corps in December 1940. "I think it's my duty to enlist because they're going to need us," Southworth had confided to his father earlier in the year. "My baseball career can wait."

Despite the deteriorating international situation, these one-year draftees hoped peace would prevail and allow them to return to civilian life. But during the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 1941, that peace was violently shattered. The Japanese surprise aerial attack that rained terror on Pearl Harbor and sunk or damaged 18 warships of the United States Pacific Fleet marked, with an authoritative stamp, America's entry into World War II.

Pearl Harbor saw the nation besieged in a wave of overwhelming patriotism followed by an immediate rush to enlist. On December 9, Hank Greenberg, at 30 years old, re-enlisted after having been discharged from the Army under a new law releasing draftees 28 or older from duty. He admitted "this doubtless means I'm finished with baseball."

Like Greenberg, Cleveland's 23-year-old pitching sensation, Bob Feller, rushed to enlist as soon as he heard the news of the bombing. Feller joined the United States Navy and served as a chief petty officer aboard the battleship Alabama in the Pacific.

Hitler's declaration of war against the United States on December 11 merely fueled the enthusiasm. Industrial giants responded with a roar, and factories, workshops, mills and mines swung into action. The vast automobile industry switched to the production of military vehicles, turning out a steady stream of trucks, Jeeps, tanks and airplanes,

While manufacturers, more accustomed to handling refrigerators and vacuum cleaners, turned their straight-line production techniques to the manufacture of ammunition, guns and other essential war commodities. Even manufacturers of sporting goods equipment contributed to the war effort. Hillerich & Bradsby, makers of the famous Louisville Slugger baseball bats, turned their wood-turning skills to the production of stocks for the M1 carbine rifle. Within months of Pearl Harbor, America was impressively living up to the pledge it had given to become the "Arsenal of Democracy."

But would baseball survive the war? America's entrance into World War I had ended the 1918 baseball season on September 2, and only the armistice agreement saved the following season. Fears that the war would jeopardize baseball again in 1942, however, were quashed when President Roosevelt, in response to a direct plea from baseball's ruling head, Kenesaw Mountain Landis, sent his now famous January 15 "Green Light" letter. Roosevelt said, "I honestly feel that it would be best for the country to keep baseball going" and added that he would like to see more night games that hard-working people could attend. Roosevelt also noted that baseball could provide entertainment for at least 20 million people, and added that although the quality of the teams might be lowered by the greater use of older players replacing young men going into military service, this would not dampen the popularity of the sport.

But, although players were enlisting or being drafted into the armed forces from the beginning, their existed an undertone of displeasure towards seemingly fit men participating in sports and apparently evading military duties. Some thought baseball squandered manpower and should be shut down for the duration. In hindsight, this attitude is understandable, but there is little doubt that for the overwhelming majority baseball was a major morale booster throughout the war years. In response to the negative undertones, The Sporting News took it upon themselves, in April 1942, to ask servicemen for their view on the situation - should baseball continue while they fight and perhaps die for democracy and freedom? An abundance of replies besieged the offices of The Sporting News in St Louis strongly backing the President's directive to keep baseball going. Private John E Stevenson, based at Fort Dix, New Jersey, wrote, "Baseball is part of the American way of life. Remove it and you remove something from the lives of American citizens, soldiers and sailors." Private Clifford P Mansfield at Fort Knox, Kentucky reiterated, "For the morale of the soldier and the morale of America itself, 'keep 'em playing'."

More than 500 major league players swapped flannels for khakis during World War II, and such well-known players as Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams served their nation off the diamond. The minor leagues, formerly a veritable oasis of baseball talent, were seriously affected by the manpower shortage with 4,076 players seeing military service. On a daily basis, talent was drained from the game as promising young athletes who had spent summers developing their athletic skills were plucked from baseball diamonds all across the country and taught to fly planes, shoot weapons and maneuver tanks. No more than 12 minor leagues survived during the war years compared to 44 circuits that operated in 1940. U.S. Military All-Stars "Red, White and Blue Tour of America History

Founded in 1990, the U.S. Military All-Stars have created a network of 32 baseball teams worldwide. In the modern era of military baseball (Post Vietnam) over 21,500 active duty and reserve personnel have participated. We have established a reputation as the largest, fastest growing, most successful, and only joint armed forces baseball program in the world. The historic "Red, White and Blue Tour of America" has become the most popular summer exhibition in the world attracting over 25 million people annually. Over 350 appearances provide the absolute finest patriotic atmosphere possible delivering highly competitive, exciting entertainment, and a once in a lifetime experience to our fans and armed forces with the talent to perform on a national stage.

The U.S. Military All-Stars are comprised of Active Duty, Reserve and Veterans who participate while off-duty and cover their own expenses. We decline government funding to ensure all available resources support our brave men and women overseas. The players are selected among thousands of personnel worldwide and represent some of the most talented athletes in the armed forces and have deployed in direct support of the Global War on Terrorism. In addition, we provide an opportunity for a limited number of former professional and collegiate players each year to participate that have expressed interest in serving in the military or currently enrolled in a Military Service Academy or Armed Forces Delayed Entry Program.

Much more at the source!

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 

 


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; heroes; military; troopsupport
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-8081-100 next last
To: Kathy in Alaska

Howdy, Kathy.

Did you get some of that much-needed rain last night or today?


21 posted on 06/26/2016 6:11:09 PM PDT by radu (May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: PROCON

Howdy, PRO!

How’d your day go? Good as yesterday?


22 posted on 06/26/2016 6:12:46 PM PDT by radu (May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: Soaring Feather

Ms. feather!! How’s it going? I hope it hasn’t been miserably hot up there.


23 posted on 06/26/2016 6:14:10 PM PDT by radu (May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: ConorMacNessa

Howdy do, Conor! *Hugz*

Did your weather allow for some time outside to work your gardens?

It’s been too hot here to even consider such things. Ugh!


24 posted on 06/26/2016 6:15:41 PM PDT by radu (May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: SandRat

Good evening, Sand...((HUGS))...hope the heat isn’t too bad.

We got a little rain overnight. Didn’t have to water the lawns.

Have a wonderful new week.


25 posted on 06/26/2016 6:20:50 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ( (~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: radu
Good evening, Radu!

*HUGS*

I did not work outside today - we reorganized the computer desk and area today - untangled the rat's nest of wires and put it all into a cable organizing box and added a printer table. Much better.

"I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces guarding our country and our way of life.
I am prepared to give my life in their defense."

26 posted on 06/26/2016 6:21:06 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN - 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

Good evening, Kathy...((HUGS))...hope the heat isn’t bad. Temp todat was a cool low 90.

We got a little mid-day rain


27 posted on 06/26/2016 6:24:53 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: ConorMacNessa

Yeow! Working outside in heat almost sounds preferable, doesn’t it? LOL!
But at least you have that out of the way now and it sounds like you have a much nicer setup to work with. Makes a big difference.


28 posted on 06/26/2016 6:30:41 PM PDT by radu (May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies]

To: ConorMacNessa

Good evening, Mac...*HUGS*...he and Stan Musial are in the offing.

How is dirt time coming along? Did you get everything planted that you intended?

My weekend list is almost untouched....many Mom needs and issues.


29 posted on 06/26/2016 6:31:16 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ( (~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: left that other site

Hey there! How are things up your way?


30 posted on 06/26/2016 6:32:28 PM PDT by radu (May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: radu

Busy, Busy, Busy!

I did some major landscaping today (digging flowerbeds and planting trees) in rock-infested Massachusetts.

I ache all over now, but things are looking good!

I will probably retire early.


31 posted on 06/26/2016 6:34:30 PM PDT by left that other site (You shall know the Truth, and The Truth Shall Set You Free.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 30 | View Replies]

To: radu
Hi radu!

Hot-Hot here today and this week, approaching 100, but thank goodness for A/C.

I did all my grocery and "other" shopping this morning and have just been hanging out and FReeping.

How wuz your day?

32 posted on 06/26/2016 6:37:55 PM PDT by PROCON (Americans First or Terrorists First - Choose in November)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: left that other site

Ouch! Bet you ARE achey after all that. Hard enough digging all day in dirt but in rocky soil, it’s misery. Sounds like you’re satisfied with the results and that makes it all worth it.


33 posted on 06/26/2016 6:40:37 PM PDT by radu (May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 31 | View Replies]

To: Soaring Feather

Ms Feather...*hugs*...hope you are feeling well. Happy belated birthday!!

We have two duck families this year. One with 3 babies and 1 with 7. Now they are 2, but almost grown, and 5 almost grown. The momma with 5 always comes closer to the deck when I call. She must be an old timer, and she is VERY crabby about anyone else near her and her kids and aggressively chases them away.


34 posted on 06/26/2016 6:43:04 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ( (~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska
Stan the Man also had eagle eyes - he and Ted were two of the greatest. In my youth, the All-Star game was something to see. Ted on the AL side - Stan on the NL side. Quality and longevity on both sides.

"I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces guarding our country and our way of life.
I am prepared to give my life in their defense."

35 posted on 06/26/2016 6:44:15 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN - 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies]

To: PROCON

Ugh! Sounds like ya’ll are going to enjoy our weather. Hot here, too, and still no rain. Ooooooh, it’s rained all around us but not here. grrrrrrrr!

Low key day. Went to visit Hubby’s aunt for a while this afternoon. Thought about doing the little shopping that needs to be done on the way home but decided to do it tonight instead.


36 posted on 06/26/2016 6:45:22 PM PDT by radu (May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 32 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

There was a time when just about every military base of any size had a football and baseball team.

Roger Staubach played for the Pensacola Navy Goshawks.


37 posted on 06/26/2016 7:12:28 PM PDT by yarddog (Romans 8:38-39, For I am persuaded.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska
 photo Co C Baseball Team_Berlin_1200_zpsfrvkmltl.jpg

The 208th ECB, Company C, baseball/softball team. Berlin, 1945.

38 posted on 06/26/2016 7:14:32 PM PDT by yarddog (Romans 8:38-39, For I am persuaded.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: PROCON

Good evening, Pro...those were the days.

Hope you had a great weekend.

All Mom stuff today for me.


39 posted on 06/26/2016 7:22:43 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ( (~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: left that other site

Good evening, ML...((HUGS))...how is the settling in going?

Getting your list whittled down? Has Lynn-Dah made friends?


40 posted on 06/26/2016 7:27:44 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ( (~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-8081-100 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson