History of Leo Wells, the baseball player: a childhood dream suspended by the Second World War

Website design By BotEap.comWhile America’s favorite pastime continued through World War II, many players’ dreams and futures were put on hold to serve their country. These dedicated men walked away from a sport that meant everything to them to help in this desperate and dark time. Many professional players, including Ted Williams and Bob Feller, walked away from the sport to join the military, missing vital playing time in their careers. Some later returned to the sport to become part of the Baseball Hall of Fame. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the future of baseball itself was in doubt. Many baseball fans and officials wanted to postpone the sport for the war. President Roosevelt disagreed, sending a letter in which he said the game should go on as a way to keep the American spirit alive. The soldiers were very supportive of the sport and wanted to keep the game going during these difficult times. More than 4,500 professional gamers have left the game to serve our country. Among these were thirty-five players who would later be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Two professional players named Harry O’Neill and Elmer Gedeon gave their lives for our country and are honored today for their sacrifices. A dream was left in the background for those who made this difficult decision. Many returned from the war and picked up where they left off in the sport.

Website design By BotEap.comLeo Wells was among the many who joined their teams after serving in the war. The story of Leo Wells, the baseball player, is less extensive due to his years of service, but it is nonetheless an achievement to be proud of. Leo Wells was born on July 18, 1917. He was 5’9″ tall and weighed 170 pounds. His original birthplace was Kansas City, Kansas. Leo Wells’ baseball career began in 1942. He played shortstop and third base for the Chicago White Sox. On April 16, 1942, Leo Wells made his first major league debut. During the first season, he played thirty-five games and had one home run and four RBIs. He had a batting average of .194 After the first season, his love of the game was interrupted by the looming threat of war.He left his team to join the military and served for the next three years.Leo Wells returned to play a second season for the Sox White in 1946. In that season he played forty games, his stats included one home run, eleven runs, and a .189 batting average. He left the game after this second season to pursue other dreams.

Website design By BotEap.comThe story of Leo Wells, the baseball player, was a common story for many of the players who served in World War II. You are all heroes for making the difficult decision to leave the game and help our country in a time of need. Today’s athletes pass up opportunities like the Olympics because they take away their own personal gains. Leo Wells and the other players who made this sacrifice should be honored for their dedication, heroism and being the role model for today’s society.