PITCHER
ON HOLD

Topics: Commitment; Humility; Regret; Sacrifice; Service

References: Philippians 2:5–8; 3:7–8

Bob Feller, a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, had already thrown a no-hitter and won 107 games in the major leagues when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Feller volunteered to fight for his country at the age of twenty-three. After the war Bob returned to pitching and had three no-hitters, twelve one-hitters, and won 266 games.

But his years of military service cost Bob much of the fame he deserved. When baseball fans elected the All-Century Team in 1999, Bob and his 266 victories were ignored in favor of two other pitchers. Some suggest Feller may be the most underrated baseball player of all time.

Feller was once asked if he regretted his wartime service. “No,” he said, “I’ve made many mistakes in my life. That wasn’t one of them.”

—Based on John B. Holway, “Underrated: Bob Feller,” American Heritage (September 2001); bobfellermuseum.org