Even with the presidential go-ahead, only a dozen Cubs showed up in French Lick for spring training. Others were still in the military.
Hiram Bithorn, a pitching ace serving in the Navy didn't get back until September. Outfielder Dominic Dallessandro, who hit .305 in 1944, was in limbo, his status having been changed from 4-F, medically deferred, to 1-A, fit for service.
Pitcher Hank Borowy, acquired from the Yankees in midseason, had a similar problem with the draft board.
That was worrisome in a year when the Tribune announced in headlines: "Majors Expect 4-F Players To See Them Through."
--GreGen
The USS North Carolina (BB-55) My all-time favorite warship. As an elementary school student in North Carolina, I donated nickels and dimes to save this ship back in the early sixties.
Showing posts with label French Lick Indiana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label French Lick Indiana. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Monday, November 7, 2016
The Cubs, World War II, Chicago, in 1945-- Part 3: French Lick, Indiana, and FDR Gives Go-Ahead
In 1945, the Cubs had their preseason drills in French Lick, Indiana, because of wartime travel restrictions that prohibited the usual training on Catalina Island in California.
Indeed, the 1945 season, as were the others during the war years, almost didn't happen. Fortunately for fans, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had overruled any cancellations who wrote Kennesaw Mountain Landis, Commissioner of Baseball: "I honestly feel that it would be best for the country to keep baseball going," in what became known as the "Green Light Letter.
"Everybody will work longer hours and harder than ever before. And that means that they ought to have a chance for recreation and for taking their minds off their work even more than before."
--GreGen
Indeed, the 1945 season, as were the others during the war years, almost didn't happen. Fortunately for fans, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had overruled any cancellations who wrote Kennesaw Mountain Landis, Commissioner of Baseball: "I honestly feel that it would be best for the country to keep baseball going," in what became known as the "Green Light Letter.
"Everybody will work longer hours and harder than ever before. And that means that they ought to have a chance for recreation and for taking their minds off their work even more than before."
--GreGen
Friday, March 13, 2015
War Caused Sox and Cubs to Train at French Lick-- Part 3
But, march in Indiana is definitely not March on Catalina Island, California, where the Cubs had trained from 1922-1942. or Pasadena, California, where the Sox had trained from 1933-1942. The first workout was forced inside. Rain, snow and cold consistently plagued the teams in their new spring home in Indiana.
A March 20, 1943, Tribune story reported: "The first workout was held in two areas of the vast French Lick Springs hotel. The infielders and outfielders did their stuff in the auditorium and the batterymen worked in an adjoining room. In the latter enclosure a dirt stage had been rigged up to supply natural footing for the bespiked pitchers. For the catcher's backstop there was a line of mattresses."
Both teams returned to French Lick for 1944, but the next year, the White Sox relocated 105 miles north to Terre Haute, Indiana. The Cubs remained for one final year.
By 1946, the travel restrictions were lifted and, despite the travel savings to Indiana, both teams were back practicing in sunny and much warmer California.
They Never returned to Those Licks. --Cooter
A March 20, 1943, Tribune story reported: "The first workout was held in two areas of the vast French Lick Springs hotel. The infielders and outfielders did their stuff in the auditorium and the batterymen worked in an adjoining room. In the latter enclosure a dirt stage had been rigged up to supply natural footing for the bespiked pitchers. For the catcher's backstop there was a line of mattresses."
Both teams returned to French Lick for 1944, but the next year, the White Sox relocated 105 miles north to Terre Haute, Indiana. The Cubs remained for one final year.
By 1946, the travel restrictions were lifted and, despite the travel savings to Indiana, both teams were back practicing in sunny and much warmer California.
They Never returned to Those Licks. --Cooter
Thursday, March 12, 2015
War Caused Sox and Cubs to Train at French Lick-- Part 2
The Chicago tribune reported on December 30, 1943, Chicago Tribune reported, "The Cubs and White Sox, bitter intercity rivals since shortly before the turn of the century, are to share sulfur water tubs for three weeks in French Lick, Ind.."
In January, the Tribune discussed the financial benefits despite the meteorological challenges: "Altho the northern training might involve a weather risk (the French Lick press agent insists it was a comforting 87 degrees there last April 6), the novelty is certain to have its financial consolation. This, of course, goes for all the clubs.
"Going to French Lick, a matter of 279 miles from Chicago, represents quite a difference in rail fare from the approximate 2,250 miles between here and California. And with training time, at least for the Sox and Cubs, cut down to three weeks, the room and board bill will be reduced by about one-half.
"A lot of clubs, after being forced into the plan by the transportation problem, may find it so practical they'll be doing it after the war."
--GreGen
In January, the Tribune discussed the financial benefits despite the meteorological challenges: "Altho the northern training might involve a weather risk (the French Lick press agent insists it was a comforting 87 degrees there last April 6), the novelty is certain to have its financial consolation. This, of course, goes for all the clubs.
"Going to French Lick, a matter of 279 miles from Chicago, represents quite a difference in rail fare from the approximate 2,250 miles between here and California. And with training time, at least for the Sox and Cubs, cut down to three weeks, the room and board bill will be reduced by about one-half.
"A lot of clubs, after being forced into the plan by the transportation problem, may find it so practical they'll be doing it after the war."
--GreGen
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
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
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