World War II Pacific War Other work Baseball player 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.[11] Feller served as Gun Captain aboard the USS Alabama,[4] 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. [edit] Subsequent career One year after his return to Major League action, in 1946, he registered an incredible 348 strikeouts while pitching in 48 games, starting 42 of those games. That year Feller was 26-15 with an ERA of 2.18 while pitching 36 complete games. He led the American League in strikeouts seven times and had 200 or more strikeouts five times. Feller pitched in 570 games during his career, and pitched in 40 or more games six seasons . Feller also threw three no-hit games including the only opening day no-hitter in baseball history in 1940. He had 46 shutouts during his career with 10 of those in 1946. Many baseball historians have speculated that Feller would have won perhaps 350 games with well over 3,000 strikeouts had he not joined the military. He was honored as "The greatest pitcher of his time" by the Sporting News. [edit] Barnstorming Throughout his career, Feller criss-crossed the country playing exhibition games in the off-season, showcasing his legendary fastball for fans in large, medium and small towns. His barnstorming tours often featured other big leaguers and/or Negro League stars, like Satchel Paige. In 1947, Feller announced that he would pitch in the Cuban winter league during the off-season, but major league baseball commissioner Happy Chandler ruled that no major leaguer could play in Cuba during the winter. Feller's barnstorming business savvy made him one of the wealthiest players of his time. As a result, Feller did not have to take off-season jobs to make ends meet, like many players of his era did, which allowed Feller to become a physical fitness pioneer. While other players waited until spring training to get in shape, Feller had the time to do push-ups, sit-ups, calisthenics and stretching, following a rigorous regimen. In June 2009, at the age of 90, Feller was one of the starting pitchers at the inaugural Baseball Hall of Fame Classic, which replaces the Hall of Fame Game at Cooperstown, New York.[12] [edit] Museum Wall sculpture on the Bob Feller Museum In 1995, the Bob Feller Museum opened in Van Meter, Iowa. It was designed by Feller's son Stephen, an architect. The land was donated by Brenton Banks.[13] The museum is made up of two rooms which contain both Feller memorabilia and items from his personal collection.[14] [edit] Health issues In 2010, it was reported that Feller was being treated for leukemia.[15] On December 8, 2010, it was announced that Bob Feller had been transferred from the Cleveland Clinic to hospice. In October, Feller had a pacemaker installed and was diagnosed with pneumonia as well as thrush, an infection of the mucus membrane lining the mouth and throat.[16] [edit] Death On December 15, 2010, Feller died of pneumonia after having been in the hospital for almost two weeks.[17]
| Robert William Andrew "Bob" Feller | |
|---|---|
| November 3, 1918 – December 15, 2010 (aged 92) | |
| In the U.S. Navy during WWII | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1941-1945 |
| Rank | Chief Petty Officer |
| Unit | USS Alabama |
| Battles/wars | World War II
|
| Other work | Baseball player |
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.
Subsequent career
One year after his return to Major League action, in 1946, he registered an incredible 348 strikeouts while pitching in 48 games, starting 42 of those games. That year Feller was 26-15 with an ERA of 2.18 while pitching 36 complete games. He led the American League in strikeouts seven times and had 200 or more strikeouts five times. Feller pitched in 570 games during his career, and pitched in 40 or more games six seasons. Feller also threw three no-hit games including the only opening day no-hitter in baseball history in 1940. He had 46 shutouts during his career with 10 of those in 1946. Many baseball historians have speculated that Feller would have won perhaps 350 games with well over 3,000 strikeouts had he not joined the military. He was honored as "The greatest pitcher of his time" by the Sporting News.
Barnstorming
Throughout his career, Feller criss-crossed the country playing exhibition games in the off-season, showcasing his legendary fastball for fans in large, medium and small towns. His barnstorming tours often featured other big leaguers and/or Negro League stars, like Satchel Paige .
In 1947, Feller announced that he would pitch in the Cuban winter league during the off-season, but major league baseball commissioner Happy Chandler ruled that no major leaguer could play in Cuba during the winter.
Feller's barnstorming business savvy made him one of the wealthiest players of his time. As a result, Feller did not have to take off-season jobs to make ends meet, like many players of his era did, which allowed Feller to become a physical fitness pioneer. While other players waited until spring training to get in shape, Feller had the time to do push-ups, sit-ups, calisthenics and stretching, following a rigorous regimen.
In June 2009, at the age of 90, Feller was one of the starting pitchers at the inaugural Baseball Hall of Fame Classic , which replaces the Hall of Fame Game at Cooperstown, New York .
Museum
In 1995 , the Bob Feller Museum opened in Van Meter, Iowa . It was designed by Feller's son Stephen, an architect . The land was donated by Brenton Banks. The museum is made up of two rooms which contain both Feller memorabilia and items from his personal collection.
Health issues
In 2010, it was reported that Feller was being treated for leukemia .
On December 8, 2010, it was announced that Bob Feller had been transferred from the Cleveland Clinic to hospice . In October, Feller had a pacemaker installed and was diagnosed with pneumonia as well as thrush , an infection of the mucus membrane lining the mouth and throat.
Death
On December 15, 2010, Feller died of pneumonia after having been in the hospital for almost two weeks.
Highlights
- Winningest pitcher in Cleveland Indians history (266 victories)
- Led league in wins six times (1939–41, 1946–47, 1951)
- Led league in ERA (1940)
- Led league in strikeouts seven times (1938–41, 1946–48)
- Pitched three no-hitters, including the only Opening Day no-hitter.
- 8-time All-Star (1938–41, 1946–48, 1950)
- Inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1962
- Only Chief Petty Officer in United States Navy history to be elected to a major sports Hall Of F
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Bob Feller, the Iowa farm boy whose powerful right arm earned him the nickname "Rapid Robert" has died. He was 92. Read the rest
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Feller, a Hall of Fame pitcher, was a Cleveland Indians fixture and one of the hardest throwers in the game. Read the rest
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Bob Feller, the Iowa farm boy whose powerful right arm earned him the nickname "Rapid Robert" and made him one of baseball's greatest pitchers during a Hall of Fame Read the rest
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Bob Feller Museum exhibits baseball history by showcasing Bob Feller merchandise and offering baseball player signing events. Read the rest
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Robert William Andrew "Bob" Feller (born November 3, 1918), nicknamed the "Heater from Van Meter", "Bullet Bob" and "Rapid Robert", is an American former Major League Baseball Read the rest
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Career: 266-162 (37th), 3.25 ERA, 2581 SO (26th), P, HOF in 1962, 8xAllStar, Indians 1936-1956, t:R, 7x SO Leader, born in IA 1918, 'Rapid Robert' Read the rest
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Bob Feller (born Nov. 3, 1918, Van Meter, Iowa, U.S) U.S. baseball pitcher. Feller played for the Cleveland Indians from 1936 to 1956, frequently Read the rest
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Robert William Andrew "Bob" Feller (born November 3, 1918), nicknamed the "Heater from Van Meter", "Bullet Bob" and "Rapid Robert", is an American former Major League Baseball Read the rest