Baseball During World War II

World War II had a significant effect on nearly everybody in the world.  It effected countries economically, politically, and also significantly changed the lives of the people living within the countries.  As more and more men were sent off to fight overseas, the baseball scene in America rapidly changed.  Many of the star studded players like Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Lefty Grove, and more all enlisted.  Also, in order to fill the void of the men going off to fight, a women's baseball league formed.

As the tensions in Europe and the Pacific rose, President Roosevelt enacted the Selective Training and Service Act in order to reinforce the American military.  The act required all men between ages 21 and 36 to enlist in the army to "ensure the the independence and freedom of the United States".  After all was done, more than 2 million men were enlisted.  With this, the game of baseball changed as many of the top players were drafted.  Once American involvement truly began after Pearl Harbor was bombed and Germany declared war on the United States, over 500 Major League baseball players enlisted.  Not only did the war have an effect on the Major Leagues, but also significantly damaged the minor league system.  Before war broke out, 44 minor league systems existed, but after a measly 12 remained.

Once all the men left the United States to go to battle, the women did a great job filling the void that they left.  Many got jobs at factories to create tanks, planes, and more war equipment.  However, a select few women went out to go play baseball.  The All-American Girls Professional League was founded in 1946 with over 600 active women playing up until 1954.  The main point of the league was for Major League team owners to keep interest in baseball while the men were away fighting.  The sport that the women played was not exactly baseball, but much more similar to modern day softball.  They used a larger ball, smaller field, and a shorter mound distance than baseball.  If you want to learn more about women's baseball during World War II, the movie A League of Their Own, does a great job elaborating on the lives and the struggles the women went through during the period.

Source: http://www.baseballinwartime.com/baseball_in_wwii/baseball_in_wwii.htm