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FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: US Military All-Stars ~ October 17, 2011
Serving The Bestest Troops and Veterans In The World !! | StarCMC

Posted on 10/16/2011 5:04:30 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
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1 posted on 10/16/2011 5:04:35 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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To: Kathy in Alaska


REQUEST PERMISSION TO COME ABOARD!





SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!!

OUR TROOPS ROCK!!!!!!!





Lamh Foistenach Abu!
2 posted on 10/16/2011 5:05:14 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: Kathy in Alaska; StarCMC
Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Lord, Please Bless Our Troops, They're fighting for our Freedom.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

God Bless Our Republic

Prayers going up


3 posted on 10/16/2011 5:08:02 PM PDT by HopeandGlory (Hey, Liberals . . . PC died on 9/11 . . . GET USED TO IT!!!)
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To: ConorMacNessa
Permission Granted!


4 posted on 10/16/2011 5:14:14 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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To: Kathy in Alaska
I'm In!

Image Source,Photobucket Uploader Firefox Extension

Pub Night

Photobucket


5 posted on 10/16/2011 5:16:17 PM PDT by SkyDancer (Talent Without Ambition Is Sad, Ambition Without Talent Is Worse.)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

Character At Play
October 17, 2011

A college football coach in the Bronx (New York) built his team around good character qualities. Instead of displaying their names on the back of their jerseys, the Maritime College players displayed words like family, respect, accountability, and character. Before each game, coach Clayton Kendrick-Holmes reminded his team to play by those principles on the field.

The apostle Peter had his own list of Christian qualities (2 Peter 1:5-7) that he encouraged believers to add to their life of faith:

Virtue. Fulfilling God’s design for a life with moral excellence.

Knowledge. Studying God’s Word to gain wisdom to combat falsehood.

Self-control. Revering God so much that we choose godly behavior.

Perseverance. Having a hopeful attitude even in difficulties because we’re confident in God’s character.

Godliness. Honoring the Lord in every relationship in life.

Brotherly kindness. Displaying a warmhearted affection for fellow believers.

Love. Sacrificing for the good of others.

Let’s develop these qualities in increasing measure and integrate them into every part of our life.

Just as the body grows in strength
With exercise each day,
Our spirit grows in godliness
By living life God’s way. —D. De Haan

Godly exercise is the key to godly character.

Read: 2 Peter 1:1-11

His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. —2 Peter 1:3
Bible in a year:
Isaiah 50-52; 1 Thessalonians 5


6 posted on 10/16/2011 5:16:27 PM PDT by The Mayor ("If you can't make them see the light, let them feel the heat" — Ronald Reagan)
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To: StarCMC; Kathy in Alaska; Bethbg79; EsmeraldaA; MoJo2001; Brad's Gramma; laurenmarlowe; ...

7 posted on 10/16/2011 5:19:35 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
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To: Kathy in Alaska; StarCMC
Thanks very much, Kathy!

*HUGS*

And thanks very much to you and Star for tonight's Hall of Heroes thread!

Lamh Foistenach Abu!
8 posted on 10/16/2011 5:20:53 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: All

Hello Veterans, wherever you are!!


9 posted on 10/16/2011 5:21:12 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; TMSuchman; PROCON; ...


REST IN PEACE, FALLEN BROTHER!





L/Cpl. Benjamin W. Schmidt, USMC, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, KIA Afghanistan 6Oct2011




I have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)


Eternal Father, Strong to Save



Rest in Peace, fallen brother, rest in peace!
We who remain hold you in high honor.
Rest, fallen brother, in this sacred precinct;
We who remain keep this place sacred.
Rest, fallen brother, among these, your comrades;
We who remain keep the watch.
Rest, fallen brother, amid these who heeded the Nation’s call;
We who remain press the fight forward in your name.
Rest, fallen brother, lay down thy burden;
We who remain have taken up the torch.
Rest in Peace, fallen brother, rest in eternal peace!



Taps





Lamh Foistenach Abu!
10 posted on 10/16/2011 5:24:17 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: ConorMacNessa

Good evening, Mac...*HUGS*...how long of a drive do you make to work?


11 posted on 10/16/2011 5:28:34 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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To: Kathy in Alaska
It's about 20 miles each way - anywhere from 40 minutes to about an hour and a half. Much longer in snow.

Lamh Foistenach Abu!
12 posted on 10/16/2011 5:31:32 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: HopeandGlory
Thanks, Nana Hope, for today's Pledge…((HUGS)). Thanks, AfghanMan and Penguin Girl, for your service to America.


13 posted on 10/16/2011 5:36:27 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; TMSuchman; PROCON; ...


REST IN PEACE, FALLEN BROTHER!



Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Caleb A. Nelson, USN, KIA Afghanistan 1Oct 2011



I have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)


Eternal Father, Strong to Save



Rest in Peace, fallen brother, rest in peace!
We who remain hold you in high honor.
Rest, fallen brother, in this sacred precinct;
We who remain keep this place sacred.
Rest, fallen brother, among these, your comrades;
We who remain keep the watch.
Rest, fallen brother, amid these who heeded the Nation’s call;
We who remain press the fight forward in your name.
Rest, fallen brother, lay down thy burden;
We who remain have taken up the torch.
Rest in Peace, fallen brother, rest in eternal peace!



Taps





Lamh Foistenach Abu!
14 posted on 10/16/2011 5:39:07 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: Kathy in Alaska


Aloha Night Owl!
15 posted on 10/16/2011 5:40:55 PM PDT by BIGLOOK (Keelhaul Congress!)
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To: BIGLOOK
Good evening, Biglook! How goes it with you?

Lamh Foistenach Abu!
16 posted on 10/16/2011 5:43:40 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: ConorMacNessa
And in first....Mac grabs the gold!!


17 posted on 10/16/2011 5:47:11 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; TMSuchman; PROCON; ...


REST IN PEACE, FALLEN BROTHER!





Pvt. Danny Chen, USA, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Died Afghanistan 3Oct2011



I have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)


God Of Our Fathers



Rest in Peace, fallen brother, rest in peace!
We who remain hold you in high honor.
Rest, fallen brother, in this sacred precinct;
We who remain keep this place sacred.
Rest, fallen brother, among these, your comrades;
We who remain keep the watch.
Rest, fallen brother, among these who answered the Nation’s call;
We who remain press the fight forward in your name.
Rest, fallen brother, lay down thy burden;
We who remain have taken up the torch.
Rest in Peace, fallen brother, rest in eternal peace!



Taps




Lamh Foistenach Abu!
18 posted on 10/16/2011 5:48:25 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: StarCMC; MoJo2001; 007; 1 FELLOW FREEPER; 11B3; 1FreeAmerican; 1stbn27; 2111USMC; 2LT Radix jr; ...
Please note: The author of the Hall of Heroes is StarCMC.

Please thank StarCMC for today’s thread.

~ Hall of Heroes: US Military All-Stars ~

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT

Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies’ military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.

CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREADS



CLICK FOR Current local times around the world

CLICK FOR local times in Seoul, Baghdad, Kabul,
New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Anchorage


To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.

To our military readers, we remain steadfast
in keeping the Canteen doors open.

The FR Canteen is Free Republic's longest running daily thread
specifically designed to provide entertainment and moral support for the military.

The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.

We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.



NOTE: CANTEEN MUSIC
Posted daily and on the Music Thread
for the enjoyment of our troops and visitors.


19 posted on 10/16/2011 5:54:11 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Hi everybody!
I am hitting the sheets early tonight due to a nasty cold.
Good Night!
(((HUGS)))


20 posted on 10/16/2011 6:02:15 PM PDT by left that other site (Psalm 122:6)
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