Victory on Two Fronts: The Cleveland Indians and Baseball through the World War II Era

Review\n"Once again Scott H. Longert shows why he is a leading historian and storyteller of baseball in Cleveland. In Longert’s unique style, Victory on Two Fronts tells the story of how the intersection of World War II America, integration, and Cleveland’s baseball team shaped society and the national pastime. Just like Indians outfielder Pat Seerey…Longert [is] the ‘people’s choice’ when it comes to chronicling the hundred-plus years of baseball in Cleveland.”—Bob DiBiasio, Cleveland Guardians senior vice president of public affairs\nBeginning with the Cleveland Indians’ hard luck during World War II, this thrilling history follows the team through its historic role in racial integration and its legendary postwar comeback. Rich with player photographs and stories, this book is sure to excite American history buffs and baseball fans alike.
In early 1942, baseball team owners across the country scrambled to assemble makeshift rosters from the remaining ballplayers who had not left the sport for the armed forces. The Cleveland Indians suffered a tremendous loss when star pitcher Bob Feller became the first Major Leaguer to enlist, taking his twenty-plus wins per year with him. To make matters worse, the Indians’ new player-manager, Lou Boudreau, had no coaching or managing experience. The resulting team was mediocre, and players struggled to keep up morale.
Feller’s return in late 1945 sparked a spectacular comeback. A year later Bill Veeck bought the franchise and, over the next two years, signed the first American League players to break the color barrier: Larry Doby and Satchel Paige. The 1948 season ended with the Indians and Boston Red Sox tied, resulting in the American League’s first playoff game. Thanks in part to rookie Gene Bearden’s outstanding pitching, the Indians went on to beat the National League’s Boston Braves for their second World Series title.