The American Game: Baseball in World War II

During World War II, as Americans fought around the globe, they brought the game of baseball with them. Soldiers played baseball recreationally, within their units, with major leaguers and amateurs sharing the same diamond. After the war’s end, the game became more organized and leagues were formed. Spectators enjoyed the games as much as the players. It was so popular and important to the war effort that 80 years ago, in September 1945, American soldiers squared off in a GI World Series in France and Germany. This program will also explore the story of Gettysburg College’s own Harry O’Neill, one of two major league baseball players killed in action during World War II. To commemorate this important moment at the end of World War II, join historians Ted Herman and Dan Vermilya for this free program on baseball during World War II.