Bob Feller - Returns from World War II

On January 18, 1950, star right-handerBob Feller tells the Cleveland Indians that he should receive a cut in payafter a subpar 15-14 season in 1949. The Indians agree to the suggestion,cutting the future Hall of Famer’s pay by $20,000. Feller will receive a salaryof $45,000 in 1950.A farmboy from Van Meter, Iowa, in 1936 Feller was only 17when he struck out eight members of the St. Louis Cardinals in three innings ofan exhibition game. After this awesome display of pitching, Feller was advisedto seek voluntary retirement from high school in order to sign a pro-baseballcontract. In his first major league start, against the St. Louis Browns, Fellerfanned 15 hitters and never looked back. For twenty years, all with theIndians, the teenage phenomena dominated AL batters with his blazing fastballand bending curve. He hurled three no-hitters, including the only opening daygem on April 16, 1940, he will also win the triple crown in 40. His second camein 1946 when he set the AL record with 348 strikeouts. He also notched 12 one-hitters, and won 19 games forCleveland's lasy world series winner in 1948. You can listen to all 6 games onour Classic Radio Broadcasts.  Feller career was put on hold when he became the second bigleague star to enter the service for World War II (following Hank Greenberg).He lost almost four seasons to military duty While in the U.S. Navy, Feller woneight battle stars.I am going to play him recalling his first game back fromthe War . . . it is one of dozens of audio gems we have on Vintage BaseballReflections