Bob Feller

[Duder 238]

I'm sure most have heard, but he has passed away. He was diagnosed with leukemia in August, had a pacemaker put in during October and was then diagnosed with thrush. He was put in hospice care earlier this month.

He was a hell of a ball player and a good guy--first of the guys in the bigs to volunteer to fight in WWII.

My thoughs and prayers are with his family.

[Mikey 16,711]

"Rapid Robert" could fling it. He lost four of what should have been the best years of his career to WW2.

[OldNewby 27]

On December 8, 1941, Feller enlisted in the Navy, volunteering immediately for combat service, becoming the first Major League Baseball player to do so following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7. Feller served as Gun Captain aboard the USS Alabama, and missed four seasons during his service in World War II, being decorated with five campaign ribbons and eight battle stars. His bunk is marked on the Alabama at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama. Feller is the only Chief Petty Officer in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Bob Feller was a helluva pitcher and American. A man's man, Feller will be missed.