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Three experienced MLB players killed in action

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Memorial Day Weekend is often filled with barbecues and trips to the lake. Somewhere between ribs and a cold drink lies the reason We have Monday off. This weekend is a time to remember, not only those who are in our Military, but those who made the ultimate sacrifice. you are Sitting around in flip-flops and swimming tribes, Let’s take a few minutes to remember some MLB players who made this sacrifice and were killed in the line of duty.

MLB players killed in action

Eddie Grant

Eddie Grant, nicknamed “Harvard Eddie,” played in 990 games between 1905 and 1915. Franklin The Massachusetts native played for the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds and New York Giants. Grant’s most successful seasons were 1908 and 1909 where he led the league in at-bats each season and stole 27 and 28 bases respectfulThe Harvard graduate retired in 1915 and practiced law in Boston until April 1917, when he enlisted and served as a captain in the 307th Infantry Regiment of the 77th Division. During the Meuse-Argonne route offensive in France, Captain Grant led the search for a lost battalion. On October 5, 1918, an enemy grenade exploded during the search and killed “Harvard Eddie.” Grant was the first former MLB player to to be killed in use during the First World War.

Elmer Gedeon

Elmer Gedeon was a multi-sport talent who never had the opportunity to really show what he could do in the big leagues. The slim 6’4″ first baseman was successful in baseball, football and track at the University of Michigan. During his time at Michigan, he was Was He was a better player in the hurdles than he was on the diamond. With both sports taking place in the spring, Gedeon had to choose between the game he loved and the game he was best at. Ultimately Gideon would choose baseball even though I would have overcome the hurdle of getting to the Olympics.

In 1939, After graduating from Michigan, Gedeon signed with the Washington Senators. The Senators moved Gedeon to the outfield to take advantage of his speed. Gedeon appeared in five games for the Senators at the end of the 1939 season, posting a .200 batting average and collecting one RBI. Gedeon spent two years in the minor leagues. Leagues, with Orlando and Charlotte. In January 1941, Gedeon was drafted and joined the army in March. In October, Gedeon joined the Army Air Force, Where is he was commissioned as lieutenant. On April 20, 1944, Gedeon flew a bombing raid over Bois d’Esquerdes in France and was shot down and killed by German artillery.

Bob Neighbors

Robert “Bob” Neighbors had never played baseball until he signed with the Siloam Springs Travelers in 1936. Although he only played fastpitch softball, Neighbors hit 16 home runs in his first season with the Arkansas-Missouri League team. The Oklahoma native played in the minor leagues until September 16, 1939 and was then called up to the St. Louis Browns. The 6-foot-tall Neighbors had two hits, including a home run, in his 11 at-bats in the major leagues.

Neighbors joined the Army Air Force in May 1942, but was never used during World War II. Neighbors decided to stay in the military and never returned to the MLB. However, he did get an opportunity to play in the military. While he was a pilot in North Korea, Neighbors radioed that he been hit and his squad was just getting out. Neighbors and his men were never found. Neighbors were determined to be killed in battle once Prisoners were released at the end of the Korean War.

https://www.c-span.org/video/?296460-1/baseball-heroes-world-war-ii

Photo credit: © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

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