Th e N a t i o n a l

BASEBALL: Pa s t i m e i n t h e
National
Archives
Our National Pastime in Our National Archives

Tools of the Trade

Baseball is for Everyone

World War I

World War II

Breaking Down Barriers

Diamonds and Dollars

For the Love of the Game

7th-Inning Stretch

Equal Access

Saving the Integrity of the Game

Extra Innings
 OUR NATIONAL
PASTIME IN OUR
NATIONAL ARCHIVES

Millions of fans eagerly branches of the Federal

await the opening of the Government and preserved at
baseball season in April each the National Archives, what stories
year. During the late 19th and 20th can be found? This book showcases a
centuries, baseball was the most widely small slice and tells the story of our
played sport in the United States, earning national pastime found at the National
the title “America’s pastime.” As President Archives. The documents that follow
Clinton said on the eve of the 1995 World provide examples of the role of baseball
Series, “Baseball is part of our common during the two world wars, fights for
heritage.” The story of baseball and the mutually agreeable contracts and equal
story of our nation are intertwined. And opportunity on and off the playing field, the
since the records at the National Archives universal appeal of the game to players and
document our national experience, it only fans (even the “highest-ranking” fans of all
seems natural that stories of both baseball —U.S. Presidents), improvements to the
and American history would be discovered sport, and celebrations along the way.
among these documents. But among the
numerous records created by the three
TOOLS OF THE
TRADE
 Who were George Rawlings, John Hillerich, or Benjamin
Shibe? Without these men the game of baseball would not be
what it is today. Each devised improvements to baseball and
the tools of the trade—the bat, ball, and glove—and was
issued a patent.

Bat, Ball, Benjamin F. Shibe, one of the original owners of the

Philadelphia Athletics and for whom Shibe Park in
and Glove Philadelphia was named, patented a cork-centered baseball
on June 15, 1909. Use of this ball in all 1911 games led to
powerful hits that went farther and longer. Shibe, as noted in
his patent, had simply wanted increased strength and
durability for his baseballs.

John A. Hillerich of Louisville, Kentucky, devised a method

to harden the surface of a baseball bat and promote its
ability to drive the ball. Issued a patent on December 23,
1902, Hillerich’s company would later become Hillerich and Bradsby Company, the
maker of “Louisville Slugger” bats.

To prevent bruising of ball players’ hands, George H. Rawlings, owner of a St. Louis
sporting goods store, invented a glove with felt and rubber padding in fingers, thumb, and
palm. The illustration with his patent dated September 8, 1885, demonstrates the specific
location for padding, in what appears to be a close-fitting glove.

The improvements to the game continue today, and new patent applications often
reference the patented work of Rawlings, Hillerich, or Shibe.
Referred to as the “Edison of Baseball,” Benjamin F. Shibe received many patents related to
baseballs. These drawings are part of the patent he received for a cork-centered baseball on
June 15, 1909.
These illustrations were part of the patent issued to John A. Hillerich on December 23, 1902,
for an improved and hardened surface to the baseball bat.
George H. Rawlings submitted these drawings for a baseball glove in a patent approved on
September 8, 1885.
 Patent Drawing for Benjamin F. Shibe’s Cork-Centered Baseball, 06/15/1909
[Architectural and Engineering Drawings]; Patented Case Files, compiled 1836–1970;
Records of the Patent and Trademark Office, Record Group 241; National Archives at
College Park.

Patent Drawing for John A. Hillerich’s Baseball Bat, 12/23/1902 [Architectural and
Engineering Drawings]; Patented Case Files, compiled 1836–1970; Records of the
Patent and Trademark Office, Record Group 241; National Archives at College Park.

Patent Drawing for George H. Rawlings’ Baseball Glove, 09/08/1885 [Architectural

Citations and Engineering Drawings]; Patented Case Files, compiled 1836–1970; Records of
the Patent and Trademark Office, Record Group 241; National Archives at College
Park.

Book Cover Image:

Photograph of Camp Ross Pitcher, 08/07/1945; 569.6 Publicity IX April–Aug. 1945,

Central Subject Files, 1941–1946; Records of the Office of the Chief of
Transportation, Record Group 336; National Archives at Riverside.

Book Intro Media:

Made Game [Making Sports Equipment], ca. 1919; Motion Picture Films Relating to
the Ford Motor Company, the Henry Ford Family, Noted Personalities, Industry, and
Numerous Americana and Other Subjects, compiled ca. 1903–ca. 1954; Collection
FC: Ford Motor Company Collection, ca. 1903–ca. 1954; National Archives at
College Park. (National Archives Identifier: 91349)
BASEBALL IS FOR
EVERYONE
 The game of baseball is woven into the social fabric of the
United States just as strongly as the idea of the American
dream. Baseball led many to become part of the larger
“team” of American society. The common language of hits,
runs, strikeouts, and stolen bases solidified membership
despite a diversity of backgrounds and trying circumstances.
A Unifying
Many Native American children were sent to boarding
Game schools where they were forced to forget their own traditions
and expected to assimilate and adopt the ways of white
Americans. They played baseball in addition to other sports.
Jim Thorpe, a member of the Sac and Fox Nation from
Oklahoma, attended the Carlisle Indian School. After a
career in professional baseball and football, he coached an
All-Indian baseball team. Yet he had a difficult time
collecting his pay, and looked to the Superintendent of
Indian Affairs of the Five Civilized Tribes to settle the matter.

In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 sending thousands
of Japanese Americans to internment camps. Without the comforts of home, the detainees
managed to find some semblance of normalcy. Baseball was part of this. Many camps,
including Tule Lake and Manzanar Relocation Centers in California and Granada
Relocation Center in Colorado, had baseball teams. Baseball not only served as a way to
keep up morale in the camps, but was also a way for the detainees to assert their
Americanism. These Americans were still playing the national game—the game they loved
—even under the most dire circumstances.

Since the mid-20th century, the rise in popularity of baseball in Latin American countries
has ushered in a new group of baseball-playing immigrants to the United States. Puerto
Rican-born Roberto Clemente not only played baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but also
served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. The Pirates management even requested that
their star right fielder be released early to join their team at Spring Training in 1959.

During war and peace, United States military members have brought the “American
game” to people throughout the world. Baseball truly is for everyone!
In 1939, the Chemawa Indian School’s baseball team wore pinstripes. The school, located in
Salem, Oregon, opened in 1880 and continues to educate students today.

Students at the Chilocco Indian School near Newkirk, Oklahoma, played a variety of sports. The
varsity baseball team of 1935 had a large roster.
The Albuquerque Indian School, whose baseball team is pictured here in 1911, was established
in 1881 to provide off-reservation industrial training to Native Americans in the Southwest. By
1912, the school had eight primary grades and over 300 students.

As a student at the Carlisle Indian School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe participated in
many sports. This photograph from his school file shows him in track and field.
In 1933 Thorpe agreed to coach an All-Indian baseball team for Susey Walker and Ben Harjo.
Unable to collect the money owed him, Thorpe wrote to A.M. Landman, Superintendent of
Indian Affairs of the Five Civilized Tribes at the Muskogee Office.
Finally, four years later, Thorpe received payment for his coaching position and signed this
contract ending his “lien of claim.”
With the swing of the bat, opening day of the 1944 baseball season at the Tule Lake
Segregation Center was underway. More than half of the approximately 17,000 detainees at
the Newell, California, segregation center attended the game.

At the Granada Relocation Center in Amache, Colorado, a crowd of over 2,000 watched a game
between the Amache team and the Prowers County all-stars. The Amache team proved to be
comprised of all-stars too as they won the game 20-9.
Children played baseball at the Manzanar Relocation Center in Manzanar, California, to pass
the time. The blocks of barrack housing can be seen in the distance.

Children at the Manzanar Relocation Center huddled up before their baseball game. They were
just one of the 80 baseball teams that were formed at the internment camp.
As a new recruit in the Marine Corps, Roberto Clemente Walker reported to the Third Recruit
Training Battalion at Parris Island, South Carolina, in September 1958.
Located in his military personnel file, Clemente’s Military and Civilian Occupational Specialties
and Education form reflects his main occupation as a baseball player and his duties performed
as “played baseball in capacity of right fielder.”
Former Pennsylvania State Senator John M. Walker wrote to U.S. Senator Hugh Scott for
assistance in getting Roberto Clemente discharged from the Marine Corps Reserves early to
join the Pittsburgh Pirates at Spring Training for the 1959 season.
Clemente was released to attend Spring Training by Brig. Gen. A. Larson.
Roberto Clemente Walker received an Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps on
September 11, 1964.
Villagers gathered at Camp Harriman, in the Orgun Province of Afghanistan, to watch the first-
ever Afghani Little League Baseball teams—the Eagles (“Sahein” in Arabic) and The Afghan
Club—play, during Operation Enduring Freedom on August 16, 2002.

An Afghani girl played at Camp Harriman, during Operation Enduring Freedom. Mr. Jay Smith,
96th Civil Affairs Battalion, donated the baseball equipment, and this girl was reportedly the
first Afghani girl from her area to ever own a ball and glove.
While in Vietnam, members of the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division

(Airmobile), joined the children of Ap Uu Thoung hamlet in a game of baseball in 1970.

Even in war-torn Korea, sports were prevalent. Sgt. James W. Black of Chicago, IL, a member of
the Fifth Air Force’s 49th Fighter Bomber Wing, taught Kim Pak Soon a baseball fundamental in
1951: “get your glove up, and keep the fingers out of the way.”
 Chemawa Indian School Baseball Team, 1939; Photographs, compiled ca. 1907–
1976, Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National
Archives at Seattle. (National Archives Identifier 5585776)

Albuquerque Indian School Baseball Team, 1911; General Correspondence File of

the Albuquerque Indian School, compiled 1881–1936; Records of the Bureau of
Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives at Denver. (National Archives
Identifier 292884)

Chilocco Varsity Baseball Team, 1935; Annual Reports, 1918–1952 (E. 75-CH8);
Citations Records of the Chilocco School, Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record
Group 75; National Archives at Fort Worth. (National Archives Identifier:
7077460)

Photograph of Jim Thorpe, ca. 1910; Jim Thorpe Student File, 1904–1915, Student
Records of the Carlisle Indian School, compiled 1879–1918, Records of the
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives at Washington, DC.
(National Archives Identifier: 595347)

Letter from Jim Thorpe to A.M. Landman, Superintendent of the Muskogee Office,
08/10/1935; Individual Indian Money (IIM) Case Files, 1908–1949 (E. 552);
Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives at
Fort Worth. (National Archives Identifier 7150736)

Contract signed by Jim Thorpe, 12/23/1937; Individual Indian Money (IIM) Case Files, 1908–1949 (E. 552); Records of the
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives at Fort Worth. (National Archives Identifier 7150740)

Segregation Center, Newell, California. The 1944 league baseball season got underway…, 04/19/1944; Central
Photographic File of the War Relocation Authority, compiled 1942–1945, Records of the War Relocation Authority,
Record Group 210; National Archives at College Park. (National Archives Identifier: 539548)

Granada Relocation Center, Amache, Colorado. Part of the crowd of 2,000 people, evacuees . . ., 09/12/1943; Central
Photographic File of the War Relocation Authority, compiled 1942–1945, Records of the War Relocation Authority,
Record Group 210; National Archives at College Park. (National Archives Identifier: 537324)

Manzanar Relocation Center, Manzanar, California. One of the 80 baseball teams which have been form . . .,
07/03/1942; Central Photographic File of the War Relocation Authority, compiled 1942–1945, Records of the War
Relocation Authority, Record Group 210; National Archives at College Park. (National Archives Identifier: 538060)

Manzanar Relocation Center, Manzanar, California. Baseball players in a huddle. This game is very . . ., 07/02/1942;
Central Photographic File of the War Relocation Authority, compiled 1942–1945, Records of the War Relocation
Authority, Record Group 210; National Archives at College Park. (National Archives Identifier: 538066)

Service Record for Roberto Clemente Walker, 09/30/1958; Official Military Personnel Files, compiled 1912–1998;
Records of the Army Staff, Record Group 319; National Archives at St. Louis.

Military and Civilian Occupational Specialties and Education form for Roberto Clemente Walker, 09/30/1958; Official
Military Personnel Files, compiled 1912–1998; Records of the Army Staff, Record Group 319; National Archives at St.
Louis.
Letter from Brigadier General A. Larson to United States Senator Hugh Scott granting the early release of Roberto
Clemente Walker for the 1959 baseball season, 03/03/1959; Official Military Personnel Files, compiled 1912–1998;
Records of the Army Staff, Record Group 319; National Archives at St. Louis.

Roberto Clemente Walker's Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps, 09/11/1964; Official Military
Personnel Files, compiled 1912–1998; Records of the Army Staff, Record Group 319; National Archives at St. Louis.

Letter from former State Senator John M. Walker to United States Senator Hugh Scott requesting assistance in getting an
early release for Roberto Clemente Walker for the 1959 baseball season, 02/09/1959; Official Military Personnel Files,
compiled 1912–1998; Records of the Army Staff, Record Group 319; National Archives at St. Louis.

A large crowd of local Afghani villagers gathered at Camp Harriman, located in the Orgun Province of Afghanistan, to
watch the first ever Afghani Little League Baseball Teams, consisting of two teams the Eagles ("Sahein" in Arabic) and The
Afghan Club, play a game of baseball, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, 08/16/2002; Combined Military Service
Digital Photographic Files, compiled 1982–2007; Records of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Record Group 330;
National Archives at College Park. (National Archives Identifier 6641194)

An Afghani girl plays with her baseball and glove at Camp Harriman, located in the Orgun Province of Afghanistan,
during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Mr. Jay Smith, 96th Civil Affairs Battalion, donated the baseball equipment and
this girl is reportedly the first Afghani girl, from her area, to ever own a ball and glove, 08/16/2002; Combined Military
Service Digital Photographic Files, compiled 1982–2007; Records of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Record
Group 330; National Archives at College Park. (National Archives Identifier 6641193)

Vietnam....Members of the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), join the children of Ap Uu
Thoung hamlet in a game of baseball. The troopers are members of a Battalion Action Team involved in pacification
operations in Phong Dieu District, north of Hue., 01/15/1970; Signal Corps Photographs of American Military Activity,
compiled 1754–1954; Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, Record Group 111; National Archives at College
Park. (National Archives Identifier 531465)

A Korean youth, Kim Pak Soon, is taught one of the fundamental lessons of baseball--"get your glove up, and keep the
fingers out of the way." His instructor is S/Sgt. James W. Black, Chicago, Ill., member of the Fifth Air Force's 49th Fighter
Bomber Wing. As warm weather approaches, members of the 49th plan to expand the sports program, even in war-torn
Korea., ca. 03/1951; Black and White Photographs of U.S. Air Force and Predecessors' Activities, Facilities, and
Personnel, Domestic and Foreign, compiled 1930–1975; Records of U.S. Air Force Commands, Activities, and
Organizations, Record Group 342; National Archives at College Park. (National Archives Identifier 542323)
WORLD WAR I
 After several years of neutrality, the United States entered the
Great War on April 6, 1917. Over 24 million men registered
for the draft, including Major League and Negro League
players such as Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson,
Even Casey Stengel, and Andrew Rube Foster. Not all of those who
Doughboys registered for the draft served, but many fulfilled their
patriotic duty when they got the call.
were
Twelve players of the Boston Red Sox served in the Naval
Ballplayers
Reserves, making the prospect of the team’s ability to survive
during the 1918 season questionable. Team President Harry
H. Frazee requested the temporary detachment of his team
captain and manager, John J. Barry, assigned to the Boston
Navy Yard and second baseman, George E. Lewis, assigned
to the Mare Island Navy Yard, in a letter to Assistant Secretary
of the Navy Franklin D. Roosevelt. Frazee pointed out,
“Although I would like to have the services of several of the
other players whom I have lost, I do not feel that in this hour of our country’s crisis I ought
to ask it, and I am only too happy to know that the Boston club has been able to provide
so many good men and stands in the front rank of all the base ball clubs in America as
having contributed the largest number of men, twelve in all.” The 1918 season was cut
short due to the war, and although Frazee’s request was ultimately denied, the Red Sox
won the World Series.

Pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander was one of the more than 2 million Doughboys who
made their way to France to fight in the trenches. He served as a sergeant with Battery F of
the 342nd Field Artillery, 89th Division at the Battle of the Argonne Forest. Unlike many of
his brothers-in-arms, Alexander made his way back to the United States after the armistice.
Battle fatigued and suffering from shell shock, he impressively resumed his baseball
career, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1938.
George Herman “Babe” Ruth’s World War I Draft Registration Card shows his place of
employment as “Fenway Park.”
Tyrus R. “Ty” Cobb registered for the Selective Service in 1917.
“Shoeless” Joe Jackson listed his employer as “Chicago American League BB Club.”
Charles D. “Casey” Stengel was employed by Brooklyn “Base Ball Club.”
Andrew Rube Foster registered as a “Baseball player.”
Red Sox owner Harry M. Frazee wrote to Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin D. Roosevelt
requesting that Red Sox players be taken off active duty at the Boston Navy Yard to play
baseball.
Roosevelt supported Frazee’s request, but asked Commandant of the Boston Navy Yard Capt.
William R. Rush for his opinion.
Grover Cleveland Alexander’s Enlistment and Assignment Card notes his enlistment on April 29,
1918. He reported for duty at St. Paul, Howard County, Nebraska.
 World War I Draft Registration Card for George Herman “Babe” Ruth, 06/05/1917;
Draft Registration Cards, compiled 1917–1918, Records of the Selective Service
System (World War I), Record Group 163; National Archives at Atlanta. (National
Archives Identifier: 641780)

World War I Draft Registration Card for Tyrus R. “Ty” Cobb, 05/23/1917; Draft
Registration Cards, compiled 1917–1918, Records of the Selective Service System
(World War I), Record Group 163; National Archives at Atlanta. (National Archives
Identifier: 641757)

Citations World War I Draft Registration Card for Joe “Shoeless Joe” Jackson, n.d.; Draft
Registration Cards, compiled 1917–1918, Records of the Selective Service System
(World War I), Record Group 163; National Archives at Atlanta.

World War I Draft Registration Card for Charles “Casey” Stengel, 05/26/1917; Draft
Registration Cards, compiled 1917–1918, Records of the Selective Service System
(World War I), Record Group 163; National Archives at Atlanta.

World War I Draft Registration Card for Andrew Rube Foster, 09/12/1918; Draft
Registration Cards, compiled 1917–1918, Records of the Selective Service System
(World War I), Record Group 163; National Archives at Atlanta. (National Archives
Identifier: 641802)

Correspondence Concerning Red Sox Players at the Boston Navy Yard, 12/1917–
02/1918; Personnel Officer General 19-41, Jan.–April 1918, 12/1917–04/1918;
General Correspondence, compiled 1909–1969, Records of Naval Districts and Shore
Establishments, Record Group 181; National Archives at Boston. (National Archives
Identifier 5751792)

Enlistment and Assignment Card for Grover Cleveland Alexander, 05/02/1918;

Official Military Personnel Files, compiled 1912–1998. Records of the Army Staff,
Record Group 319; National Archives at St. Louis.

Service Record for Grover Cleveland Alexander, c. 1917–1919; Official Military

Personnel Files, compiled 1912–1998. Records of the Army Staff, Record Group 319;
National Archives at St. Louis.
WORLD WAR II
 Five weeks after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and the
United States entered World War II, Commissioner of
Baseball Kenesaw Mountain Landis wrote President Franklin
D. Roosevelt asking whether major league baseball should
Baseball be played. President Roosevelt responded affirmatively with
Carried Us personal hope in what is now known as the “green light”
letter.
through the
While those on the home front welcomed a reprieve from
War
wartime rationing and production with a day at the ball park,
soldiers stationed abroad and at home also enjoyed the
game. From locations in the South Pacific to makeshift fields
established on the move across Europe, soldiers watched and
played baseball wherever they were.

Major league players who enlisted or were drafted into the

service carried on military duties and helped entertain
troops. Over ninety percent of all major league players were active in the service, helping
to comprise talented military teams.

Even with ever changing line-ups, the Great Lakes Naval Training Center’s Bluejackets
squads were stellar. Led by the former Detroit Tiger player and manager, Gordon “Mickey”
Cochrane, the 1944 team amassed a .960 winning percentage for the season (48 wins and
2 losses) and a 23-game winning streak. At least seven of those wins were against big
league teams.

Soldiers viewed highlight clips before feature films in all military motion picture theaters
through the news and entertainment shorts of the Army-Navy Screen Magazine. The film
clip “Dem Bums Warm Up” took the boys to the 1945 Dodgers’ Spring Training with
colorful team manager Leo Durocher leading infield practice. When Durocher barked out
“You haven’t got a bucket of paint at third base, you got to get the paintbrush out of your
hand,” and a narrator coolly commented on Leo’s chatter, the sights and sounds of home
were within reach for the troops.

Women’s Army Corps members at Camp Ross in Wilmington, California, played softball
when they weren’t providing crucial logistical support for embarking units. Baseball
carried us through the Second World War.
In this letter, Baseball Commissioner Landis asked President Roosevelt whether Major League
Baseball should be played in these “not ordinary times.”
This is a typed version of Landis’s letter.
President Roosevelt suggested “that it would be best for the country to keep baseball going.”
Army Air Force Sergeant Joe DiMaggio and Navy Chief Specialist Harold “Pee Wee” Reese
autographed baseballs for commanding officers before the Central Pacific Area Championship,
known as the Service World Series, in Honolulu.

Found in a report of the U.S. Pacific fleet, this photograph captures Kwajalein men and men
of the USS Saint Paul at play on the island approximately 2,400 miles southeast of Honolulu,
Hawaii.
The June 30th “Great Lakes Bulletin” from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center highlighted
the Bluejackets’ midseason winning streak and their recent dominance over the Chicago Cubs.
During the 1944 season, the Bluejackets won at least seven games against Major League
teams.
The 1944 Great Lakes Bluejackets included an abundance of Major League talent. Cartoons in
the Naval Training Center’s weekly newspaper captured the achievements of these players and
funny takes on their Navy boot camp training.
Soldiers enjoyed this video clip of Leo Durocher leading Spring Training for the 1945 Brooklyn
Dodgers, available on the National Archives YouTube Channel.

Women’s Army Corps members at Camp Ross in California played softball.

 Letter from Kenesaw Landis to President Franklin D. Roosevelt Regarding

Baseball , 01/15/1942; PPF 227: Baseball; President's Personal Files, compiled

1933–1945; Papers as President, President's Personal File, 1933–1945; Franklin D.

Roosevelt Presidential Library. (National Archives Identifier: 6997538)

Letter from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Kenesaw Landis Regarding Baseball,

01/15/1942; PPF 227: Baseball; President's Personal Files, compiled 1933–1945;
Papers as President, President's Personal File, 1933–1945; Franklin D. Roosevelt
Presidential Library. (National Archives Identifier: 6997537)

Citations Photograph of Army Air Force Sergeant Joe DiMaggio and Navy Chief Specialist
Harold “Pee Wee” Reese; Department of the Navy; National Archives at College
Park.

Photograph of “Kwajalein natives vs USS St. Paul"; Report of the Inspection of the
Caroline Islands by the U.S. Pacific Fleet, compiled 08/1946–10/1946; Federal
Loan Agency. Reconstruction Finance Corporation. U.S. Commercial Company.
(10/20/1945–1947); Records of the Office of Territories, Record Group 126;
National Archives at San Francisco.

Great Lakes Bulletin, weekly newspaper of the U.S. Naval Training Center, Great
Lakes, 06/30/1944, page 3; Central Subject Files, compiled 1947–1953,
documenting the period 1929–1953; Department of Defense. Department of the
Navy. Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Lake Bluff, Illinois. Office of the
Commandant. (09/19/1947–); Records of the Naval Districts and Shore
Establishments, Record Group 181; National Archives at Chicago.

Clyde McCullough Cartoon, Great Lakes Bulletin, weekly newspaper of the U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes,
05/26/1944, page 7; Central Subject Files, compiled 1947–1953, documenting the period 1929–1953; Department of
Defense. Department of the Navy. Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Lake Bluff, Illinois. Office of the Commandant.
(09/19/1947–); Records of the Naval Districts and Shore Establishments, Record Group 181; National Archives at
Chicago.

Merrill May Cartoon, Great Lakes Bulletin, weekly newspaper of the U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, 06/16/1944,
page 7; Central Subject Files, compiled 1947–1953, documenting the period 1929–1953; Department of Defense.
Department of the Navy. Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Lake Bluff, Illinois. Office of the Commandant.
(09/19/1947–); Records of the Naval Districts and Shore Establishments, Record Group 181; National Archives at
Chicago.

Schoolboy Rowe Cartoon, Great Lakes Bulletin, weekly newspaper of the U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes,
05/05/1944, page 7; Central Subject Files, compiled 1947–1953, documenting the period 1929–1953; Department of
Defense. Department of the Navy. Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Lake Bluff, Illinois. Office of the Commandant.
(09/19/1947–); Records of the Naval Districts and Shore Establishments, Record Group 181; National Archives at
Chicago.

Army-Navy Screen Magazine, Number 2: Navy Edition, 1945; Navy Motion Picture Film Productions, compiled ca.
1939–ca. 1947; Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Naval Observatory. (1942–09/18/1947); General Records of the
Department of the Navy, Record Group 80; National Archives at College Park. (National Archives Identifier: 36165)
WAC Softball Team at Camp Ross, Wilmington, CA; 569.6 Publicity III 07–08/1944 [2/2];Central Subject Files, compiled
1941–1946; War Department. Office of the Chief of Transportation. Los Angeles Port of Embarkation. (06/11/1946–
09/18/1947); Records of the Office of the Chief of Transportation, Record Group 336; National Archives at Riverside.



WAC and WAVES Softball Team; 569.6 Publicity IV 08–09/1944[1/3]; Central Subject Files, compiled 1941–1946; War
Department. Office of the Chief of Transportation. Los Angeles Port of Embarkation. (06/11/1946–09/18/1947); Records of
the Office of the Chief of Transportation, Record Group 336; National Archives at Riverside.



T/Sgt. F. Helms Catcher Softball Team; 569.6 Publicity III 07–08/1944 [1/2];Central Subject Files, compiled 1941–1946;
War Department. Office of the Chief of Transportation. Los Angeles Port of Embarkation. (06/11/1946–09/18/1947);
Records of the Office of the Chief of Transportation, Record Group 336; National Archives at Riverside.
BREAKING DOWN
BARRIERS
 The history of American baseball also documents the African
American struggle for equality in the United States. Since the
late 19th century, when Jim Crow policies took hold of the
nation and its pastime, there were separate professional
baseball leagues for blacks and whites. Many large cities
Civil Rights throughout the country had teams in both the Major Leagues
and the Negro Leagues. Black players wanted the
On and Off
opportunity to prove that their skills were just as good as
the Field those of white players. During World War II, and prior to
integration in baseball and the U.S. military, baseball teams
at Camp Ross and Camp Anza at the Los Angeles Port of
Embarkation were surprisingly integrated.

In 1947, Jackie Robinson crossed the color line in major

league baseball when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
That decision would not only integrate baseball, but would
help the country work to achieve equal rights for all. Civil
Rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., once commented to baseball pitcher Don
Newcombe, “Don, you and Jackie will never know how easy you made my job, through
what you went through on the baseball field.”

Before becoming famous, Lt. Jack R. Robinson was court-martialed at Camp Hood, Texas,
because he refused to move to the back of the bus after being told to do so by a bus driver
and disobeying an order from a superior officer. Robinson was acquitted of all charges
and received an honorable discharge, but this was not the only experience he would have
in fighting discrimination.

After retiring from baseball, Robinson turned much of his attention to civil rights issues.
He wrote to several Presidents about the cause, and even attended the March on
Washington.
During World War II, Camp Ross was used by the Army as a cantonment area for U.S. troops at
the Los Angeles Port of Embarkation. In 1945, the baseball team was integrated.

The softball team at Camp Anza was known as the “Zips.” In 1944, there were two African
American players on the team.
Camp Anza, a World War II military camp was located in Riverside, California. Sgt. Neely was
one of the African American players on the Camp Anza softball team.
Jackie Robinson in his Brooklyn Dodgers uniform.
Lt. Jack R. Robinson was court-martialed for being disrespectful to and disobeying the
command of an officer. He pleaded not guilty to both charges and was acquitted for both on
August 23, 1944.
In this telegram to E. Frederick Morrow, Presidential Assistant to President Dwight D.
Eisenhower, Jackie Robinson urged the President to veto the 1957 Civil Rights bill because it
was—in his opinion—too weak.
Jackie Robinson made a personal plea to President Dwight D. Eisenhower to show support and
take action for black Americans.
Robinson commended President John F. Kennedy on a “fine start” since his election, but
pointed out his leisurely attitude towards civil rights.
In this telegram to President Kennedy, Robinson implored him to protect Martin Luther King,
Jr., and others in the struggle for civil rights.
Jackie Robinson and his son attended the March on Washington on August 28, 1963.
Robinson strongly encouraged President Lyndon B. Johnson to continue on his path of
promoting civil rights despite protests against the Vietnam War and riots in Tennessee and
Ohio.
In his cautionary letter to Ronald L. Elliott, Deputy Special Assistant to President Richard Nixon,
Robinson warned of conflict between the races if no definitive action were taken.
 Photograph of Camp Anza Softball Team, 06/07/1944; 569.6 General III Mar.-June
1944, Central Subject Files, 1941–1946; Records of the Office of the Chief of
Transportation, Record Group 336; National Archives at Riverside.

Photograph of Sgt. Neely, player on Camp Anza Softball Team, 07/06/1945; 569.6
Publicity IX April–Aug. 1945, Central Subject Files, 1941–1946; Records of the
Office of the Chief of Transportation, Record Group 336; National Archives at
Riverside.

Photograph of Camp Ross Baseball Team, 07/14/1945; 569.6 Publicity IX April–

Citations Aug. 1945, Central Subject Files, 1941–1946; Records of the Office of the Chief of
Transportation, Record Group 336; National Archives at Riverside.

Jackie Robinson in his Brooklyn Dodgers Uniform, 1950; Master File Photographs
of U.S. and Foreign Personalities, World Events, and American Economic, Social,
and Cultural Life, compiled ca. 1953–ca. 1994; Records of the U.S. Information
Agency, Record Group 306; National Archives at College Park. (National Archives
Identifier 6802718)

General Court Martial Orders Number 130, Headquarters XXII Corps, 08/23/1944;
Official Military Personnel Files, compiled 1912–1998; Records of the Army Staff,
Record Group 319; National Archives at St. Louis. (National Archives Identifier
2641509)

Telegram to E. Frederick Morrow, Presidential Assistant to President Dwight D. Eisenhower from Jackie Robinson,
08/13/1957; White House Central Files (Eisenhower Administration), 1953–1961; Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential
Library.

Letter to Jackie Robinson to President Eisenhower, 05/13/1958. Negro Matters - Colored Question (6), 1957–1958 ;
Official Files, compiled 1953–1961, White House Central Files (Eisenhower Administration), 1953–1961; Dwight D.
Eisenhower Presidential Library. (National Archives Identifier 186627)

Letter to President John F. Kennedy from Jackie Robinson, 02/09/1961; White House Staff Files of Harris Wofford,
compiled 1961–1963; White House Staff Records (Kennedy Administration), 1960–1963; John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Presidential Library.

Telegram from Jackie Robinson to President John F. Kennedy, 06/15/1963. White House Central Files, compiled 1961–
1963; Presidential Papers of John F. Kennedy, 1961–1963; John Fitzgerald Kennedy Presidential Library.

Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. [Former National Baseball League player, Jackie Robinson with his son.],
08/28/1963; Miscellaneous Subjects, Staff and Stringer Photographs, compiled 1961–1974; Records of the U.S.
Information Agency, Record Group 306; National Archives at College Park. (National Archives Identifier 542024)

Letter from Jackie Robinson to President Lyndon B. Johnson, 04/18/1967; White House Subject Files on Human Rights,
compiled 11/22/1963–01/20/1969; White House Central Files (Johnson Administration), 11/22/1963– 01/20/1969;
Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library.

Letter to Roland L. Elliott, Deputy Special Assistant to President Richard Nixon from Jackie Robinson, 04/20/1972; White
House Alpha (Alphabetical) Name Files, (Nixon Administration), 1969–1974, Richard Nixon Presidential Library.
DIAMONDS AND
DOLLARS
 “After twelve years in the Major League, I do not feel that I
am a piece of property to be bought and sold irrespective of
my wishes.”

Curt Flood penned those words in a letter to Baseball

Commissioner Bowie Kuhn in October 1969 after being
Conflicts
traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Philadelphia
over Phillies. Nearly 56 years earlier, Joseph Tinker joined the
upstart Federal League, a third league attempting to enter
Contracts
organized baseball, after he was traded to the Brooklyn
Dodgers despite his expressed wishes to play in the Midwest.

As highlighted in both of these examples, baseball owners

were able to exert great control over players and their
careers. They did so primarily through the contract reserve
clause. Dating back to the 1880s, the reserve clause
guaranteed the team that first signed a player “the rights” to
that player until he was traded or retired. Initially created to stabilize and professionalize
the game, the reserve clause had kept players’ salaries in check and ensured owners a
sense of financial stability in the game. Several players, including Flood, filed lawsuits
challenging the reserve clause on antitrust grounds and looked to the courts for justice
without success.

Eventually in 1975, the reserve clause was struck down and free agency was established.
The economic structure of the game changed, and players’ salaries skyrocketed in the
ensuing years. By 1994, the owners claimed they were experiencing severe financial
distress and demanded a salary cap during negotiations for a new collective bargaining
agreement. Players would not accept this, and the preceding years of mistrust led to an
early end to the season when owners locked out players on August 12, 1994. President
Clinton tried to save the 1995 season with the encouragement of consistent and fruitful
negotiation to work out differences. In the end, current Supreme Court Justice Sonia
Sotomayer, who served as a federal judge in New York City at that time, issued an
injunction against the baseball team owners for alleged violations of the National Labor
Relations Act. That ended the 232-day strike, but it would take more to cleanse and
refurbish baseball’s image for the fans.
Curt Flood sent this letter, later used as an exhibit in his court case, to Commissioner of
Baseball Kuhn requesting that he be allowed to entertain offers from other clubs.
After receiving this response, Flood continued with his plans and initiated a lawsuit against
Major League Baseball.
Flood received this notice that he was traded to the Phillies after playing with the St. Louis
Cardinals for 11 years.
The U.S. District Court judge ruled against Flood and agreed with existing legal precedent in his
opinion, while still recognizing the contentious nature of the reserve clause.
In his court deposition, Joe Tinker shared his frustration with the multiple trades, contract
clauses, and the overall lack of opportunity to control his baseball career.
With this statement, President Clinton informed the public that he asked former Secretary
of Labor Bill Usery to bring both sides back to the negotiating table and report progress by
February 6.
On February 7, President Clinton held a press conference, shown in a video available on the
Clinton Presidential Library’s YouTube Channel, to share the disappointing news that, with
Spring Training nine days away, owners and players had not worked out their differences.
A transcript of the press conference reads:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release February 7, 1995

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AFTER MEETING WITH BASEBALL REPRESENTATIVES

The Briefing Room

10:51 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Sorry to keep you here so long tonight. I had hoped that tonight I'd be coming out to tell you that
baseball was coming back in 1995; and for a good while this evening, I thought that that might well be the case. Unfortunately, the
parties have not reached agreement.

The American people are the real losers -- the major league cities; the spring training communities; the families of thousands of
Americans who won't have work unless there's a baseball season; and of course, the millions of fans who have waited now for six long
months for the owners and the players to give us back our national pastime.

I have done all I could to change this situation. At my request, Bill Usery, the highly respected former Secretary of Labor, has been
working very hard in mediating this dispute. He has certainly gone the extra mile, and we all owe him our thanks. But the players and
owners still remain apart on their differences. Clearly they are not capable of settling this strike without an umpire. So I have now
concluded, since I have no legal authority in this situation, as all of you know and have known for some time, that I should send to the
Congress legislation seeking binding arbitration of the baseball dispute.

This is not a request for a congressionally imposed solution. It is a request for the only process we have left to us to find a solution
through neutral parties. And the only way to do this appears to be for Congress to step up to the plate and pass the legislation. Unless
they do, we may not have baseball in 1995.

I know that the people in Congress say they have other pressing business, and they certainly do have other pressing business. I regret
very much having to send this legislation there, but spring training is just nine days away, and I think many Americans consider this
pressing. At least when the bill goes to the Congress, the American people can make themselves heard one way or the other on the
legislation, and Congress can consider it.

Clearly, the best solution is still one that is voluntary. I still call again on both sides to work with Mr. Usery to narrow their differences.
Hopefully, they can reach agreement. If not, then Mr. Usery's recommendations as to where the parties are at the time can be made
available to the arbitrators.

I urge the parties to embrace this course themselves. And, as I said, I had hoped for a while tonight that they would. We have done the
best we can. The American people have been frustrated by the strike. I think all the parties who were here tonight have now been
frustrated by the strike.

There is something the American people can do. They can tell their senator or representative whether they feel this is a proper case for
binding arbitration. Last fall, for the first time in 90 years, there was no World Series. If something goes on for that long without
interruption, seeing our nations through wars and dramatic social changes, it becomes more than a game, more than simply a way to
pass time. It becomes part of who we are. And we've all got to work to preserve that part.

So again I say, I call on the players and the owners to go back, to keep talking, to work through this. There is still time. I will send the
legislation to Congress with the full expectation that Congress will consider it in light of what they believe their constituents want, which
their constituents will have the opportunity to tell them.

Q Mr. President, you've met now with the players and the owners. In your opinion, who is more to blame for this impasse? And why
won't they simply accept voluntarily binding arbitration?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think both sides have their share of blame, and I think it would be wrong for me to characterize it at this time. I
don't think that would help to settle the suit. You should ask them why they won't accept what they won't accept. They will both have
different explanations for that, and I will leave it for them to put it out there. I did urge that course strongly.

Q Mr. President, what gave rise to the optimism you felt during the course of the evening that a settlement might be possible?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I don't want to do anything to weaken either side's position or characterize it in a way they might later think is
unfair. Let me just say, I thought that we were about to get agreement on a process which would permit the next season to be played,
that would permit spring training to occur, and that would lead to the resolution of these issues. I thought that we had worked our way
through -- there were some new ideas presented tonight as we discussed, as we talked.

That's why, you know, when they didn't reach agreement, when they came over here at 4:30 p.m., I thought I was going to come out
and make the statement I just made to you. But then, I said we ought to try one more time. And the Vice President sat with Mr. Usery
and both sides, and then about 7:00 p.m. I began to meet with them. Now, we've worked hard for more than three hours now, and we
could not agree on a process that both sides thought was fair to their interest which would immediately permit me to announce that
baseball would be played this season. But we did have some new ideas offered that had not been on the table before that I thought
would lead to that. Unfortunately, it did not, at least it has not tonight.

Q Mr. President when will you send up your legislation? And are you asking Congress to make this their top priority, putting aside their
other business until they complete action on this?

THE PRESIDENT: I'm going to send it up tomorrow, and I would like to have it considered expeditiously, yes. I haven't looked at the
congressional calendar; I don't even know what their options are for that. But I think it should be considered expeditiously. I think,
obviously it can't be done in a day or two, anyway, so the Congress will have time to hear from the American people, pro and con. This is
an unusual request. I realize that. There is no baseball commissioner, we'd lost the World Series, millions upon millions of dollars in lost
income is at stake, and a lot more as well. So I hope they will consider it expeditiously. I think that's the only way it could lead to a
season in 95.

Q How do you compare this, Mr. President, to say President Kennedy, acting on steel prices and former uses of the office and the Oval
Office for labor dispute?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think it's a little different in the sense that the steel price issue could have sent inflation through the economy
and the steel price issue could have sent inflation through the economy and shut the economy down. I've tried to explain that if it
weren't for the unusual nature of this case, I would not be intervening in the baseball case because the economy of the country won't
go down as a result of it. The inflation rate of the country won't go up as a result of something that could or couldn't happen.

This is far more in the nature of a unique set of circumstances where there isn't a commissioner and there should have been to resolve
this, and where there is immediate substantial threat to a large number of communities affected by spring training and the communities
that have baseball teams, and where I think the country would be well served by resolving this. So it is different in that sense.

I was looking at the history of presidential action in these areas, going back to the first one, which I believe was under President
Theodore Roosevelt, which, unfortunately, was also unsuccessful. Just three years before he settled the Russo-Japanese War and won
the Nobel Peace Prize he found difficulty in settling a labor dispute here in the United States.

I still think this can be settled. The parties are just going to have to decide whether they want to have a baseball season in '95 and what
the long-term damage to baseball will be and, therefore, the economics of both sides if it doesn't happen.

Q Mr. President, if the season begins with replacement players, would you throw out the first ball?

THE PRESIDENT: I am encouraging these parties to go back and work out their differences. Until I am convinced that they have
exhausted all opportunities to do that, the less I say about all other issues, the better we're going to be. I do not want to be yet another
force undermining the possibility of an agreement. I want to be a force to create an increased likelihood of an agreement, and that's
what I've done so far. I'm sorry I don't have a success to report tonight, I'm not sorry I tried, and we'll keep working at it.

THE PRESS: Thank you.

END11:00 P.M. EST

 Letter to Bowie K. Kuhn, Commissioner of Baseball from Curtis C. Flood stating
that he had the right to consider offers from other baseball clubs before signing a
contract, 12/24/1969; Curtis C. Flood vs. Bowie K. Kuhn, et. al., 01/16/1970–
08/25/1970; Civil Case Files, compiled 1930–1968; U.S. District Court for the
Southern District of New York; Records of District Courts of the United States,
Record Group 21; National Archives at New York. (National Archives Identifier:
278312)

Letter to Curtis Flood from Bowie K. Kuhn, Commissioner of Baseball stating that

Citations Flood was bound by his contract and the agreement negotiated by the Players
Association, 12/30/1969; Curtis C. Flood vs. Bowie K. Kuhn, et. al., 01/16/1970–
08/25/1970; Civil Case Files, compiled 1930–1968; U.S. District Court for the
Southern District of New York; Record Group 21: Records of District Courts of the
United States, 1685 – 2004; National Archives at New York. (National Archives
Identifier: 278313)

Notice to Player of Release or Transfer, a form used to notify Curtis Charles Flood
that his contract was assigned to the Philadelphia baseball club, 10/08/1969;
Curtis C. Flood vs. Bowie K. Kuhn, et. al., 01/16/1970–08/25/1970; Civil Case
Files, compiled 1930–1968; U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New
York; Records of District Courts of the United States, Record Group 21; National
Archives at New York. (National Archives Identifier: 278310)

Letter to Curtis C. Flood from Bing Devine, General Manager of the St. Louis Cardinals notifying Flood that his contract
was assigned to Philadelphia,10/08/1969; Curtis C. Flood vs. Bowie K. Kuhn, et. al., 01/16/1970–08/25/1970; Civil Case
Files, compiled 1930–1968; U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York; Records of District Courts of the
United States, Record Group 21; National Archives at New York. (National Archives Identifier: 278311)

Page 47 of Opinion of United States District Court Judge Irving Ben Cooper concluding that although the reserve clause
was contentious, the Court was bound by law and ruled in favor of the Defendants, 08/12/1970; Curtis C. Flood vs.
Bowie K. Kuhn, et. al., 01/16/1970–08/25/1970; Civil Case Files, compiled 1930–1968; U.S. District Court for the
Southern District of New York; Records of District Courts of the United States, Record Group 21; National Archives at
New York. (National Archives Identifier: 278327)

Joseph B. Tinker Affidavit, 01/09/1915; The Federal League of Professional Baseball Clubs vs. The American League of
Professional Baseball Clubs, et. al., 1915; Equity Case Files, compiled 1913–1938; U.S. District Court for the Eastern
(Chicago) Division of the Northern District of Illinois. (3/3/1905–); Records of District Courts of the United States, Record
Group 21; National Archives at Chicago. (National Archives Identifier: 6720644)

President’s Statement on Baseball Strike, 01/26/1995, Folder 02/26/1994, Press Releases Master Set, Office of the Press
Secretary, Clinton Presidential Records.

Video of President Clinton’s Remarks Regarding the 1994–1995 MLB Strike, 02/07/1995, Video Recordings of the White
House Television Office (Clinton Administration), 01/20/1993–01/20/2001, William J. Clinton Presidential Library.
(Available from the Clinton Presidential Library & Museum at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZd1XJhjEUI.)

Remarks by the President After Meeting with Baseball Representatives, 02/07/1995, [http://clinton6.nara.gov/
1995/02/1995-02-07-remarks-by-president-on-meeting-with-baseball-reps.html] Clinton Presidential Materials Project,
National Archives and Records Administration.
FOR THE LOVE OF
THE GAME
 Fan. It is short for aficionado, which means ardent devotee or
enthusiast. If you have ever been to a baseball game you can
see how easy it is to become a fan of the game and the
experience. Entering a ballpark, whether it is for Little
Presidents League, the minor leagues, or the colossal stadiums of the
Majors, creates a feeling of excitement. The smell of
and First popcorn, singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” watching
Ladies as the acrobatic skill of a shortstop turn a double play, or
witnessing a homerun are all part of the experience that
Fans keeps fans returning year after year. Opening Day provides
hope for fans that maybe their team will win the pennant and
play into October.

The now-archived 2007 White House website included a

“Presidents and Baseball” page with an image of President
Taft, captioned “President William Howard Taft was the first
President to throw out the first ball of the baseball season on
April 14, 1910. He threw a pitch to the Washington Senators’ Opening Day pitcher,
Walter Johnson. The next day, Taft’s image dominated the sports pages.”

Most people are familiar with U.S. Presidents throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, but
some of our Presidents have been and are true fans of the game. George H.W. Bush was
captain and first baseman of the baseball team at Yale, and he carried his love of the game
to the Oval Office. He kept his first baseman’s mitt from his Yale days in his desk drawer
while President.

William Jefferson Clinton was President during the 1994 baseball strike, one of the lowest
points in baseball history, but he did his best to help bring about a resolution between
players and owners. In a heartfelt address on the eve of the 1995 World Series, Clinton
spoke of his love for the game and how important it is to America. Listeners connected
with this fan of the game—who just so happened to be the President of the United States.

First Ladies have also enjoyed the national game. Bess Truman was seen casting her vote,
not for the Presidential election, but for the All-Star Game of 1953. Barbara Bush even
threw out the first pitch at a Texas Rangers baseball game donning heels and pearls!
This screen grab from the 2007 White House website of President George W. Bush shows President Taft
throwing the first pitch. The site was “frozen in time” at noon on January 20, 2009, as President Barack
Obama took the oath of office. It is archived on servers with National Archives-affiliated archives at the
University of North Texas.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd, President Franklin D. Roosevelt threw out the first pitch
at a game between the Washington Senators and the Boston Red Sox at Griffith Stadium in
Washington, D.C., on April 24, 1934.
President John F. Kennedy threw out the first pitch on Opening Day in 1962 at a game between
the Washington Senators and the Detroit Tigers at D.C. Stadium on April 9.

A great fan and former radio announcer for the Chicago Cubs, President Ronald Reagan threw

out the first pitch at a Cubs vs. Pirates game at Chicago’s Wrigley Field on September 30, 1988.

In 1948, Babe Ruth donated the manuscript of his autobiography to Yale University. George
H.W. Bush, the captain of the Yale baseball team, received it.
On Opening Day of the 1947 baseball season, President Harry S. Truman attended the
game between the Washington Senators and the New York Yankees at Griffith Stadium in
Washington, DC. Before the game Truman shook hands with members of the teams.

Homerun King Hank Aaron received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian
honor of the United States, from President George W. Bush in June 2002.
First Lady Bess Truman and her daughter, Margaret, cast their ballots for the 1953 All-Star
Game at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C.

Atop the mound in Arlington Stadium, First Lady Barbara Bush threw out the ceremonial first
pitch at a Texas Rangers vs. Boston Red Sox game in Arlington, Texas, on May 5, 1989.
A radio address delivered by President Bill Clinton on October 21, 1995, available online from the Clinton Presidential Library,
revealed a personal side of the President as a thankful fan for the return of baseball.

A transcript of the address reads:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

(Des Moines, Iowa)

For Immediate Release

October 21, 1995

RADIO ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT TO THE NATION

Savery Hotel

Des Moines, Iowa

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I want to talk to you today about American renewal. Not economic renewal, though our
economy is certainly on the move. Not the renewal of peace, though the United States is leading hopeful efforts towards peace
from the Middle East to Northern Ireland to Bosnia. Not even the renewal of the American spirit, though there is a tide of
optimism rising over our country as we harness technology and other changes to increase opportunities for all our people and
strengthen our families and communities. No, the American renewal I want to talk to you about today is the renewal of our
National Pastime, the renewal of baseball.

A year ago, for the first time in 90 years, we found ourselves without a World Series. And, boy, did we miss it. We missed those
nail-biting extra-inning nights. We missed a game that for so many of us is so much more than a game. Well, tonight, with the
start of the World Series, baseball is back. And we couldn't be happier.

Baseball is a part of our common heritage. Its simple virtues -- teamwork, playing by the rules, dedication and optimism --
demonstrate basic American values. We can look out at the green grass of the outfield, or feel the worn leather of an old glove,
or watch a Latino shortstop scoop the ball to a black second-baseman, who then throws it to a white first-baseman in a perfect
double play, and say, yes, this sure is America. This is who we are.

At its best, baseball is more than just a field of dreams. Every season brings our children and many adults face to face with
heroes to look up to and goals to work toward. This year was no different. Greg Maddux's 1.63 ERA; Albert Belle's 50 homeruns
and 50 doubles; and of course, most important, Cal Ripken's 2,131st consecutive game. All these inspire countless young people
to play the game, and those of us who are older to make the most of the talents God has given us, no matter what kind of work
we do.

While baseball provides role models, it also helps us recognize these American values in everyday life. Just before Cal Ripken
broke Lou Gehrig's record I saw a story about other dedicated workers, featuring a bus driver who hadn't missed a day's work in
18 years.

This man said he didn't see anything unusual about himself; after all, his father had told him we're all supposed to work hard
and show up every day. But had it not been for Cal Ripken, we would never have had the opportunity to meet this wonderful
man or to appreciate the hard work that he and millions and millions of other Americans do every day just by showing up for
work like Cal Ripken did.

Baseball does something more. It helps to hold us together; it helps us to come together. I've been fortunate enough to see a
lot of our great country. Just about everywhere I've ever been I've come across a baseball diamond. No matter where you go in
America, sooner or later there will be a patch of green, a path of dirt, and a home plate.

When I was growing up in Arkansas, baseball connected me to the rest of America. My team was the St. Louis Cardinals, the
closest team to my home state. They were the ones we got on the radio. And I spent a lot of hot summer nights listening to the
heroics of Stan Musial come over my transistor, like thousands of other young kids all over America.

Baseball also teaches us tolerance. It teaches us to play as hard as we can and still be friends when the game's over; to respect
our differences, and to be able to lose with dignity as well as win with joy -- but real tolerance for differences. I mean, after all,
my wife was raised in Chicago as a Cubs fan, and she married me even though I'd grown up rooting for the Cardinals. And
everybody in the Midwest knows that when Cubs fans and Cardinal fans can sit down together, that's real tolerance.

If you watch one of the 178,000 Little League teams in this country, you also will see real community in America. Two and a half
million of our children get together to play this sport, boys and girls. And that's not counting everyone who supports the teams
and shows up for the games and practices and bake sales. Communities large and small grow up around baseball -- kids playing
a pick-up game until it's too dark to see; folks getting together for softball after work; families walking together to see a home
game at their local ball park.

This has been a wonderful baseball season. When it's over, and the owners and players sit down to resolve their labor dispute, I
hope they'll remember the spirit of the season, the spirit we all feel right now, and use it to come together to build a lasting
agreement. America doesn't need to lose baseball in a squabble. America needs to keep baseball.

During World War II, there was a debate about whether baseball should continue while so many of our young Americans were
fighting for freedom around the world. President Roosevelt knew we should play ball. He wrote, "It would be best for the
country to keep baseball going. Everybody will work longer hours and harder than ever before. And that means they ought to
have a chance for taking their minds off their work even more than before."

Well, we still need baseball. We know we have many important challenges facing us as a nation, as we prepare for the 21st
century. We know that we're having important debates in Washington and real differences. But tonight, I just hope Americans
will be able to take their minds off all that and their own work for a moment. I hope they'll be able to wonder instead at the arc
of a homerun, a catch at the wall, the snap of the ball in the back of a mitt. Soon these sights and sounds will become a new
part of our shared national memory of baseball.

Tonight, fans of the Cleveland Indians and the Atlanta Braves will watch with special interest. But all of us Americans have
reason to smile, for baseball is back.

Thanks for listening, and play ball.

END
 Presidents and Baseball. The White House. 02/25/2007. http://georgewbush-
whitehouse.archives.gov/baseball/photoessay/02.html (The George W. Bush White
House website was frozen at noon on January 20, 2009. It is archived on servers
with National Archives-affiliated archives at the University of North Texas,
available at http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov. Visitors can navigate just
as they would have done when the site was live. However, links to external
websites and some internal pages will not work.)

President Franklin D. Roosevelt Throwing a Baseball at Griffith Stadium,

Washington, DC, 04/24/1934. Photographs of Franklin D. Roosevelt, compiled
Citations 1882–1945; Franklin D. Roosevelt Library Photographs, 1870–2004; Franklin D.
Roosevelt Presidential Library. (National Archives Identifier 6728515)

President John F. Kennedy Throws the First Pitch of the 1962 Baseball Season,
04/09/1962; Abbie Rowe White House Photographs, compiled 12/06/1960–
03/11/1964; White House Photographs, 12/19/1960–03/11/1964; John F. Kennedy
Presidential Library. (National Archives Identifier 6817167)

President Reagan Throwing out the First Pitch at a Baseball Game between the
Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois,
09/30/198; Reagan White House Photographs, compiled 01/20/1981–01/20/1989;
White House Photographic Collection, 01/20/1981–01/20/1989; Ronald Reagan
Presidential Library. (National Archives Identifier 6728673)

George Bush, captain of the Yale baseball team, receives Babe Ruth's manuscript of his autobiography which he was
donating to Yale, 1948; George H.W. Bush Presidential Photographs, compiled 01/20/1989–01/20/1993;Records of the
White House Photograph Office, 01/20/1989–01/20/1993; George H.W. Bush Presidential Library. (National Archives
Identifier 186375)

Photograph of President Truman shaking hands with Washington manager Ossie Bluege and New York Yankees manager
Bucky Harris at Washington's Griffith Stadium, on opening day of the baseball season., 04/18/1947; Photographs Relating
to the Administration, Family and Personal Life of Harry S. Truman, compiled 1957-2004; Audiovisual Collection,
1957-2006;  Harry S. Truman Presidential Library. (National Archives Identifier 199579)

President Bush Presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award to Baseball Legend Henry Aaron, 07/09/2002;
Photographs Related to the George W. Bush Administration, compiled 01/20/2001–01/20/2009; Records of the White
House Photo Office (George W. Bush Administration), 01/20/2001–01/20/2009; George W. Bush Presidential Library.
(National Archives Identifier 6734115)

Photograph of Bess Truman and Margaret Truman casting their votes for players to appear in Major League Baseball's All-
Star Game, probably at Griffith Stadium in Washington., 06/24/1953; Photographs Relating to the Administration, Family,
and Personal Life of Harry S. Truman, compiled 1957–2004; Audiovisual Collection, 1957–2006; Harry S. Truman
Presidential Library. (National Archives Identifier 200441)

First Lady Barbara Bush Throws the Ceremonial First Pitch of a Texas Rangers Baseball Game, Dallas, TX, 05/05/1989;
George H.W. Bush Presidential Photographs, compiled 01/20/1989–01/20/1993; Records of the White House Photograph
Office, 01/20/1989–01/20/1993. George H.W. Bush Presidential Library. (National Archives Identifier 6728214)

Digital Audio Recording Containing a Recording of a Weekly Radio Address made by President William Jefferson Clinton,
10/21/1995; Audio Recordings Relating to William J. Clinton, Audio Recordings of the White House Communications
Agency (Clinton Administration), 01/20/1993–01/20/2001, William J. Clinton Presidential Library.

William J. Clinton: "The President's Radio Address," 10/21/1995. Online from the Government Printing Office, [http://
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/WCPD-1995-10-30/html/WCPD-1995-10-30-Pg1900.htm]
48
 7TH-INNING STRETCH

Cardboard Collections

Baseball cards originated as advertisements By 1989 cards contained holograms to

for tobacco companies in the 1880s, and prevent counterfeiting, and the candy
were included with the purchase of packs disappeared, while a multi-million dollar
of cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars. industry remained.

Soon after World War I, tobacco companies Through all these changes, collecting
stopped baseball card production, and baseball cards still allows youngsters and
candy companies started. They packed the “kid in all of us” to indulge in a love for
baseball cards with bubble gum and the game and the players who make it
caramel candy, which attracted kids. happen.
These baseball cards were produced by the American Tobacco Company between 1909 and
1911. They are for Bob Bescher of the Cincinnati Reds and Frank Chance of the Chicago Cubs,
National League, and Wid Conroy of the Washington Senators and Russ Ford of the New York
Yankees, American League.
The cards are classified as “white borders.” The actual size is 2.625 inches by 1.4375 inches.
These are for John McGraw of the New York Giants, National League, Orval Overall of the
Chicago Cubs, National League, and Orval Overall of the Chicago Cubs, National League.
Advertisements for cigarette brands, such as Old Mill, appeared on the back of these cards.
Russian children display baseball cards, a gift from visiting American sailors, as they pose on
September 21, 1992, in Revolution Square, Vladivostok.
 Bob Bescher, Cincinnati Reds, National League Baseball Card; Records of the U.S.
Attorneys, Record Group 118; National Archives at Seattle.

Frank Chance, Chicago Cubs, National League, Baseball Card; Records of the U.S.
Attorneys, Record Group 118; National Archives at Seattle.

Wid Conroy, Washington Senators, American League Baseball Card; Records of the
U.S. Attorneys, Record Group 118; National Archives at Seattle.

Russ Ford, New York Yankees, American League Baseball Card; Records of the U.S.
Citations Attorneys, Record Group 118; National Archives at Seattle.

John McGraw, New York Giants, National League Baseball Card; Records of the U.S.
Attorneys, Record Group 118; National Archives at Seattle.

Orval Overall, Chicago Cubs, National League Baseball Card; Records of the U.S.
Attorneys, Record Group 118; National Archives at Seattle.

Back of Baseball Card; Records of the U.S. Attorneys, Record Group 118; National
Archives at Seattle.

Russian children display baseball cards, a gift from visiting American sailors, as they
pose for a photograph in Revolution Square. Crew members from the high endurance
cutter USCGC CHASE (WHEC-718) and the guided missile frigate USS MCCLUSKY
(FFG-41) are visiting Vladivostok, 09/21/1992; Combined Military Service Digital
Photographic Files, compiled 1982–2007, documenting the period ca. 1786–2007;
Records of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Record Group 330; National
Archives at College Park. (National Archives Identifier: 6483271).
EQUAL ACCESS
 Carolyn King, a twelve-year-old girl, could play baseball
better than neighborhood boys. After receiving permission
The Fight from the Ypsilanti Michigan American League Little League
president to try out, Carolyn beat 15 boys and a couple 0f
to Open the girls for a spot on the Orioles team in 1973. The national
Locker Little League Baseball organization prohibited girls at that
time, and issued a warning that unless Carolyn stopped
Room Door
playing, the Ypsilanti American League would lose its
and Play charter. But Carolyn wanted to play baseball.

on the Melissa Ludtke was an avid baseball fan and rising reporter
Diamond at Sports Illustrated. She was assigned the 1977 baseball
playoffs in New York and Philadelphia and the ensuing
World Series. During the first two American League playoff
games in New York, the Yankees refused to provide her the
same access to the locker room as her male colleagues.
Before the World Series started, Dodger players voted to let
Ludtke into the clubhouse after games in Los Angeles. But Baseball Commissioner Bowie
Kuhn stepped in and reversed this decision. Ludtke missed capturing the ballplayers’
locker-room stories and interviews.

Both women with supporters brought their desire for equal opportunity to Federal court
invoking violation of the 14th Amendment.

And while Ludtke’s case opened baseball locker-room doors, joining professional
basketball and hockey, with an equal access policy for accredited reporters, Ludtke herself
left sports journalism and began reporting on social issues.

Judge Ralph Freeman dismissed King’s case for lack of jurisdiction, a decision upheld by
the Appelate Court. Between 1972 and 1974, 22 cases, including King’s, were filed
against Little League Baseball, Inc. and its boys-only policy. Yet the national Little League
organization did not petition Congress to amend its Federal charter and eliminate the
boys-only rule until it lost the New Jersey State case National Organization for Women vs.
Little League Baseball, Inc. in spring 1974. On December 26, 1974, President Ford signed
into law a bill that formally opened Little League Baseball to girls. By this time, King was
13 and too old, yet thousands of other girls would play.
In this letter, an exhibit in the King case, the president of the Ypsilanti league asked the
executive vice president of Little League Baseball: “does it mean that our charter is revoked?”
During the King case, the president of Little League Baseball testified in court about the need
to modify the chest protector if girls were allowed to play, an argument made repeatedly by
Little League.
In his court deposition, an orthopedic surgeon stated that there was little difference
developmentally between girls and boys between the ages of 10 to 12 in regards to Little
League Baseball.
Melissa Ludtke and her employer Time, Inc. (owner of Sports Illustrated) alleged in this
complaint that Major League Baseball discriminated against female reporters, despite their
increasing number, and the policies of professional hockey and basketball.
The photograph and illustration, used as exhibits during the case, show the New York Yankees
locker room that Ludtke wished to enter.
The court ordered the New York Yankees to allow Ludtke and all female accredited sports
reporters access to the clubhouse locker rooms.
Located in President Ford’s legislation case files is a recommendation to approve the bill H.R.
8864 and amend the Federal charter of Little League Baseball.
 Letter from William F. Anhut, President Ypsilanti American Little League to Creighton
J. Hale, Executive Vice President and Chairman Charter Committee of Little League
Baseball, Inc. 05/17/1973; Carolyn King, by Gerald King, her Next Friend, Ypsilanti
Community American Little League, and the City of Ypsilanti vs. Little League Baseball,
Inc., Case 40304; Civil Case Files, compiled 1938–1993; U.S. District Court for the
Southern (Detroit) Division of the Eastern District of Michigan. (04/30/1894–);
Records of District Courts of the United States, Record Group 21; National Archives
at Chicago.

Portion of Court Transcript, including testimony of Dr. Creighton J. Hale, 07/02/1973;

Citations Carolyn King, by Gerald King, her Next Friend, Ypsilanti Community American Little
League, and the City of Ypsilanti vs. Little League Baseball, Inc., Case 40304; Civil
Case Files, compiled 1938–1993; U.S. District Court for the Southern (Detroit)
Division of the Eastern District of Michigan. (04/30/1894–); Records of District Courts
of the United States, Record Group 21; National Archives at Chicago.

Portion of Deposition of Dr. Louis P. Kivin, 6/27/1973; Carolyn King, by Gerald King,
her Next Friend, Ypsilanti Community American Little League, and the City of Ypsilanti
vs. Little League Baseball, Inc., Case 40304; Civil Case Files, compiled 1938–1993;
U.S. District Court for the Southern (Detroit) Division of the Eastern District of
Michigan. (04/30/1894–); Records of District Courts of the United States, Record
Group 21; National Archives at Chicago.

Portion of Complaint; Melissa Ludtke and Time, Incorporated vs. Bowie Kuhn,
Commissioner of Baseball, et al., Case 77C6301; Civil Case Files, compiled 1930–
1968; U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York; Records of District
Courts of the United States, Record Group 21; National Archives at New York.

Order and Judgement; Melissa Ludtke and Time, Incorporated vs. Bowie Kuhn,
Commissioner of Baseball, et al., Case 77C6301; Civil Case Files, compiled 1930–
1968; U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York; Records of District
Courts of the United States, Record Group 21; National Archives at New York.

Memo to the President from Ken Cole Regarding Enrolled Bill H.R. 8864, Little
League Baseball, 12/26/1974; H.R. 8864 Little League Baseball, 12/1974–12/1974;
Legislation Case Files, compiled 08/09/1974–01/20/1977; President (1974–1977:
Ford). White House Records Office. (1974–1977); Collection GRF-0055: White
House Records Office: Legislation Case Files, 08/09/1974–01/20/1977; Gerald Ford
Presidential Library, Ann Arbor.
 SAVING THE
INTEGRITY OF
THE GAME
 The names Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron evoke a memory of
balls flying into the stands and beyond. The homerun record
is one of the most coveted records in all of sports. So much
so, that many baseball traditionalists hated seeing
Hammerin’ Hank surpass “The Babe.” After the 1994 strike,
baseball struggled to regain its place in the hearts of the fans.
The Steroid Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa lured baseball enthusiasts
Era back to the game with their exciting homerun race during
the summer of 1998.

But soon a dark cloud loomed over the game. Although the
possession or selling of anabolic steroids without a
prescription was made illegal by Federal law in 1991, rumors
began to spread of major league players using steroids. Was
the increase in offensive output related to the use of
performance-enhancing drugs? Studies and reports showed
an increase in the use of these drugs among college and high
school students. Congress was disturbed by this trend and Major League Baseball’s
lackadaisical attitude in addressing the issue.

On March 17, 2005, Congress held the “Restoring Faith in America’s Pastime: Evaluating
Major League Baseball’s Efforts to Eradicate Steroid Use” hearing and subpoenaed several
stars to testify. During the hearing, Tom Davis, Chairman of the Committee on
Government Reform, stated, “Our specific purpose today is to consider Major League
Baseball's recently negotiated drug policy, how the testing policy will be implemented,
how it will effectively address the use of prohibitive drugs by players and most
importantly, the larger societal and public health ramifications of steroid use.” Hall of
Fame pitcher and U.S. Senator from Kentucky Jim Bunning spoke with conviction at the
hearing.

Only time will tell of the impact of steroids on baseballl, but the highest legislative body
in the land thought the issue and integrity of the game were important enough to consider
in 2005.
The Committee on Government Reform opened the transcript of the March 17, 2005, steroid use
hearing to the public. Related records, however, remain closed. Although the House and Senate
regularly transfer records to the National Archives and Records Administration, these records
are closed to researchers for designated periods of time: 30 years for most House records, with
investigative records and records involving personal privacy closed for 50 years.
Hall of Fame pitcher and U.S. Senator from Kentucky Jim Bunning testified at the “Restoring
Faith in America’s Pastime: Evaluating Major League Baseball’s Efforts to Eradicate Steroid Use”
hearing.
 Transcript of “Restoring Faith in America’s Pastime: Evaluating Major League
Baseball’s Efforts to Eradicate Steroid Use” Hearing, 03/17/2005. Records of the
United States House of Representatives, Record Group 233; Center for Legislative
Archives, National Archives Building, Washington, DC.

“Extra Innings” Image:

Photograph of Camp Anza Softball Player, 07/06/1945; 569.6 Publicity IX April–Aug.

Citation 1945, Central Subject Files, 1941–1946; Records of the Office of the Chief of
Transportation, Record Group 336; National Archives at Riverside.
 EXTRA INNINGS

Baseball evokes a sense of San Francisco, Seattle, and St.

nostalgic euphoria for fans of Louis, as well as the Center for
the game. Many remember their Legislative Archives, the Franklin D.
first visit to a major league ballpark with Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D.
the pristine emerald field, the smell of Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B.
popcorn and peanuts wafting through the Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald R. Ford,
air, and the sound of the crack of the bat. Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush,
But, as seen in the documents in this book, William Jefferson Clinton, and George W.
baseball is more than these memories. For Bush Presidential Libraries contributed
our nation, this pastime is truly a mirror of documents. The baseball stories included in
American society. this book only scratch the surface of what
can be found in the stacks of the National
The records highlighted in this book come
Archives. To learn more about the records
from numerous repositories in the National
at the National Archives please visit
Archives system. Locations in Atlanta,
www.archives.gov.
Boston, Chicago, College Park, Denver, Fort
Worth, Kansas City, New York, Riverside,