World War II Caused White Sox and Cubs to Hold Spring Training in French Lick, Indiana-- Part 1

From February 22, 2015, Chicago Tribune "The Last Row: Preparing for battle in Indiana" by Tim Bannon.

BECAUSE OF WARTIME TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS, COMMISSIONER  LIMITS SPRING TRAINING SITES.

The White Soc and Cubs have had spring training in many places and most-often in warmer spring climes.  But one place that both trained (and at the same time) that was nearer had the strange name of French Lick, Indiana.  (Also home of famed NBA and Indiana State basketball player Larry Bird.)

Because of World War II travel restrictions, Baseball Commissioner Judge Landis declared that all teams should hold spring training in 1943 north of the Mason-Dixon line and east of the Mississippi River.  (There were no MLB teams west of St. Louis or south of St. Louis, Cincinnati and Washington, D.C..)

After some scouting, both Chicago teams picked the southern Indiana spa town known for its salt lick and sulfur springs.

Play ball At the Lick.  --GreGen