World War II affected all aspects of American life, including sports.
Some Americans thought, for example, that baseball should be canceled during the war. It was “frivolous” activity during such a crisis, but President Roosevelt believed that it was good for morale to have it continue. Older men and young boys filled up the rosters, while many of the stars served in the military.
The result was baseball, but not the quality seen in the 1930s. Retired baseball stars such as Babe Ruth visited camps and talked with the troops. Players in service joined military teams that played exhibitions. By the way, 1945 was the last year the Chicago Cubs won the National League pennant, but lost the World Series though.
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August 15, 1942
Head on crash on La Veta Pass kills 2, injures 6
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Garden Club Lists Regulations for August 20th Flower Show
Regulations governing exhibits in the flower show to be given by the Garden Club August 20, in Masonic Hall, are listed by the committee in charge.
1. The show will be open to all amateur flower growers
2. Doors will be open to the public from 2 to 10 p.m.
3. Exhibitors will place entries in the hands of a receiving committee and will not be permitted on the floor until after awards have been made (sample of the list).
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War Labor Board used kid gloves and mailed fists in two labor disputes
The War Labor Board panel utilized the kid glove by recommending a five-cent an hour pay increase for 235,000 General Motor Corporation employees. The mailed fist was brought into evidence when the Navy warned that any further strike action at Bayonne, New Jersey, plant of General Cable Corporation would be an offense against the United States.
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The first enlisted man to set foot on Jap soil gets $1,000. (offered by unnamed patriot)
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County War Board offers ranchers’ labor service
The U.S. Employment Service now has farm placement representatives located throughout the United States through its local offices.
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Vallecito Lake still Remains in Fishing
The thirty-odd fishermen shivering at the upper end of the reservoir last night raked the water with flies until any trout swimming near the surface was in constant danger of being snagged. The real action really began when the fishing was over and the boys began scrambling through the bog and thicket to their cars since the night was blacker than tom cat’s pocket and most of the fishermen had only vague ideas where their cars were parked some of the scramblers became truly desperate.
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The Methodist Church
We have a fine school of religious education and we invite you share it with us.
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Jimmy Fox, 33-year-old veteran of 16 big league seasons and now with the Chicago Cubs, says he has no interest in looking for a manager position but would entertain an offer, which has not happened.
Duane Smith is a retired Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.
