What were some of the best items that were invented during World War II?

 

John Eilermann. For millions, sports are an important part of life. Whether they enjoy watching or playing, it can't be denied that it brings joy to people. During World War II, one of the things that kept everyone entertained was sports. In the US, even as many athletes were called to serve the country, the public found a way to gather to watch games.

Image source: Wikimedia.org

One of the interesting changes that happened was establishing the American Girls' Professional Baseball League that had 15 teams from the Midwest. The absence of men on the field encouraged these athletic and youthful ladies to pursue a sports career. However, despite gaining fans from all over the country, the league ended in 1954.

John Eilermann. Another popular sport in the US that was affected by the war was football. Universities suspended their football and other sports programs as many of their athletes were serving the country. Despite the postponement of games, the National Football League continued their 1943 season but with many changes. Instead of being played in Pasadena, California, the 1942 Rose Bowl was moved to Durham, North Carolina, as many people feared that a similar attack might happen.

Image source: Fansided.com

Another sport that became popular during wartime was basketball. During the early '40s, the National Basketball League also started to allow racial integration for the teams Toledo Jim White Chevrolets and the Chicago Studebakers. But just like other sports, many of the league's athletes had to serve the country. John Eilermann.

Other sports such as boxing, soccer, and ice hockey became popular in other countries. Despite the terror brought by the war, people flocked to stadiums to watch games. Though not many people came to watch, these events continued to uplift the spirits of those who were forced to wait for the war to end. Sports comforted people who were in the forefront and at home. John Eilermann.

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.