Cleveland Indians History: Bob Feller First MLB Player to Enlist in WW2

On December 7, 1941, the United States was brought into the Second World War when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Two days later, Cleveland Indians star pitcher Bob Feller became the first MLB player to enlist in the military in the wake of the attacks.

When the Japanese surprisingly bombed Pearl Harbor, it changed the course of history. The United States, which had been attempting to stay out of World War Two, suddenly found themselves thrust into the Great War. In the ensuing battles, there would be heavy casualties on both sides before the Axis were defeated in 1945.

That conflict also extended into professional sports. A great many players found their careers interrupted by the war, drafted into the service to give the military the troops they needed. Other players joined of their own volition, with patriotism and the cause of freedom pulsing in their veins. The first of those players joined on this day, when Cleveland Indians star Bob Feller joined the Navy.

Feller did not need to join. As the sole provider for his family, he had been granted a 3-C draft deferment. which would have allowed him to avoid the war. Instead, he put that aside, serving as the CPO aboard the battleship Alabama. By the time his service ended, he had earned five campaign ribbons and eight stars for his bravery in battle.

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The almost four years that he missed due to the war certainly stunted his overall numbers. He had led the American League in victories and innings in each of the previous three seasons, and in strikeouts over the past four years. At 23 years old, and with 107 victories already under his belt, Feller seemed destined to be an all time great.

He certainly was one of the best pitchers of all time, even with his nearly four missing years. He posted an overall 266-162 record, striking out 2581 batters. Feller threw three no hitters, including the only Opening Day no hitter in MLB history. He had also held the record for the most strikeouts in a game, setting down 18 batters via strikeout on the final day of the 1938 season.

Without those missing years, Feller would have easily reached 300 victories and 3000 strikeouts. Given the lower quality of Major League talent due to the war, Feller would have dominated at an even higher level than he had. However, he did not regret his decision, saying that it was simply something he had to do.

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On this day in 1941, Cleveland Indians ace Bob Feller became the first MLB player to join the military after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It was, for him, the only decision there was.