Victory on Two Fronts: The Cleveland Indians and Baseball through the World War II Era

by Scott H. Longert

Beginning with the Cleveland Indians’ hard luck during World War II, this thrilling history follows the team through its historic role in racial integration and its legendary postwar comeback. Rich with player photographs and stories, this book is sure to excite American history buffs and baseball fans alike.


In early 1942, baseball team owners across the country scrambled to assemble makeshift rosters from the remaining ballplayers who had not left the sport for the armed forces. The Cleveland Indians suffered a tremendous loss when star pitcher Bob Feller became the first Major Leaguer to enlist, taking his twenty-plus wins per year with him. To make matters worse, the Indians’ new player-manager, Lou Boudreau, had no coaching or managing experience. The resulting team was mediocre, and players struggled to keep up morale.


Feller’s return in late 1945 sparked a spectacular comeback. A year later Bill Veeck bought the franchise and, over the next two years, signed the first American League players to break the color Larry Doby and Satchel Paige. The 1948 season ended with the Indians and Boston Red Sox tied, resulting in the American League’s first playoff game. Thanks in part to rookie Gene Bearden’s outstanding pitching, the Indians went on to beat the National League’s Boston Braves for their second World Series title.

Genres: Sports, Baseball

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2022

About the author

Scott H. Longert, an avid baseball historian, has an undergraduate degree from the Ohio State University and an M.A. degree in American History from Cleveland State University. He has spent many years in the history field serving as the Sports Archivist for the Western Reserve Historical Society and Site Manager for Shandy Hall, an 1815 home in northeast Ohio. Scott was a Park Ranger for the National Park Service, stationed at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site until his recent retirement.

Scott has been a freelance writer for twenty- five years, publishing news articles on baseball history for The Cleveland Plain Dealer Sunday Magazine, The National Pastime, The Baseball Research Journal and TimeLine Magazine.

In addition to writing, Scott is an accomplished speaker, presenting talks on Cleveland baseball history and League Park. He spoke at the 100th anniversary ceremony of Addie Joss's perfect game, held on the grounds of historic League Park. Scott enjoys speaking to groups and organizations all around northeast Ohio. Check the home page for dates and times.

As a huge Indians fan Scott and his wife Vicki attend many games each summer, patiently waiting for another World Series appearance. Although it finally happened in 2016 both Scott and Vicki will remain loyal fans until the end of time.

Reviews

[Lance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed in it on two fronts. One, I’ve read others by this author before (on the same team) and like them - not as much this time. Two, this had less team history and business and felt more like a straight play-by-play and off season transaction listing. Usually I like books like this but not this time - felt too dry. Still okay, but I just expected more. 2 1/2 stars, rounded to three for this site.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book recalling the buildup to the last time Cleveland won the World Series. A fascinating glimpse into life in America during World War II.

[James F · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nicely detailed bit of baseball history; but, given the subtitle, I was surprised when WW2 ended barely a third of the way through the book.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, and thorough, I struggled to get through it but that's because it's hard to read baseball games.