A quick escape: The popularity of baseball during the Second World War

 

John Eilermann. In the US, the Second World War greatly affected the lives of the people. As many of the able, young men went off to war, the absence of loved ones caused loneliness and anxiety to those who remained home. While baseball was already famous before the war, it even gained more popular during the wartime years. Even if some of the sport's biggest stars like Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra had to serve during this time, people still found ways to enjoy the sport. 

Image source: Usatoday.com

The endorsement of President Roosevelt to continue the sport sealed its popularity. Though there were less players, the stadiums were still filled with spectators. Major League Baseball helped people forget that the war existed even for a short time. John Eilermann.

Aside from the Major League, the minor league also suffered a significant loss of members. University teams also experienced the same, with their up-and-coming players being drafted to defend their country. During this time, however, baseball welcomed female athletes. The All-American Girls Professional Ball League became popular with 14 teams playing in the Midwest. Despite its start as a softball league, multiple name changes, and rule modifications, the league became popular among spectators recording almost 900,000 audiences in their biggest game. However, as the men's leagues got their players back and with poor promotions of the games, the AAGPBL ended in 1955. John Eilermann. 

Image source: Bostonglobe.com

During the wartime years, the rise of various leagues and the popularity of baseball games even among the young have proven the sport's status as America's favorite pastime. In the time of rationing, warfare, economic turmoil, and other uncertainties, people turned to the sport for a good time. John Eilermann.