Key Highlights
- More than 500 major league baseball players served in the military during World War II.
- Al Bumbry, a notable veteran player, had a significant impact on his career after serving in Vietnam.
- Chuck Goggin was the most decorated Vietnam War veteran to play in the majors and received multiple commendations for bravery.
- Ralph Gagliano had one of the most unusual careers, playing just one game at Yankee Stadium during his military service.
A Salute to Veterans: MLB Players’ Military Service
On this Veterans Day, we pay tribute to those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. The history of Major League Baseball (MLB) is intertwined with the stories of its players, many of whom have made significant sacrifices during their military service. This article delves into some notable examples from World War II and the Vietnam War, highlighting how these athletes’ experiences shaped their careers.
World War II: A Nation at War
In 1942, more than 500 major league baseball players served in the military during World War II. These players included well-known names such as Al Bumbry, Garry Maddox, and Jim Bibby, who played for various teams including the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Service often meant missing playing time, with many players spending years away from their teams to fulfill their military commitments. For instance, Mickey Lolich, a star pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, was called into active duty in 1967 to help quell the Detroit riots.
The Vietnam War: A More Controversial Era
The involvement of major league players during the Vietnam War is less documented but equally significant. Estimates vary; some sources list as few as 54 players, while others claim up to 117 served. During this period, two minor league players, Dell Chambers and Chuck Chase, were killed in action in Vietnam.
Several active major league players also served, with the most decorated being Chuck Goggin.
A native of Florida, Goggin signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers right after high school. He spent 1964 and 1965 in the Dodgers’ minor league system before facing a decision regarding his military service. Despite having a 4-F draft status due to a knee injury, Goggin was eventually drafted into the Marine Corps in November 1966.
In April 1967, Goggin stepped on a land mine while serving under legendary Marine Colonel John Ripley in a platoon called Ripley’s Raiders.
The blast threw him eight feet into the air, and he received 14 shrapnel wounds. After surviving the blast, Goggin still had to walk more than three hours out of the jungle before being taken aboard a US hospital ship for recovery.
For his bravery, Goggin was awarded the Cross of Gallantry, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart. Upon his discharge in 1968, he rejoined the Dodgers but spent most of that season at AA Albuquerque.
In August 1969, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates along with Jim Bunning.
Goggin made his debut for the Pirates late in the 1972 season and collected his first two hits off Mets’ pitcher Jon Matlack on September 30th. A picture of both Goggin and Roberto Clemente holding their historic balls appeared in the newspaper that day, marking a poignant moment.
The Unusual Career of Ralph Gagliano
Ralph Gagliano’s story is one of the most unusual careers among major league players. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, he was the younger brother of Phil Gagliano, who enjoyed a 12-year career with the St Louis Cardinals. Cleveland signed young Ralph as a free agent in 1964, hoping to see stardom from him.
Gagliano showed promise initially but faced numerous challenges.
After a good performance in Rookie league at Sarasota, he was promoted to Class A Dubuque Packers and then called up to the majors for one game on September 21st, 1964, as a ninth-inning pinch runner.
Despite this brief appearance, Gagliano’s career took an unusual turn when he was drafted into the Army in 1965. He spent three years serving and then returned to baseball. However, after hitting only .182 in his first 29 games post-discharge, he was released by the team.
Gagliano’s unconventional career led him to various minor league teams before finding success at 27, working as a General Manager for a beverage distribution company. His experience serves as an inspiration, showing how resilience and determination can overcome significant challenges.
Al Bumbry: From High School Athlete to Major League Star
Al Bumbry, another notable veteran player, grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia. A standout high school athlete, he excelled in track, baseball, and basketball before breaking his wrist during a high jump incident. This forced him to become a switch-hitter.
His love for basketball eventually led him to Virginia State College, where he played point guard before returning to baseball after the school restarted its program in 1968.
The Baltimore Orioles drafted Bumbry in the 11th round and sent him to their Class A Stockton affiliate.
A broken wrist incurred while high jumping forced Bumbry to switch from baseball to basketball, but his real passion was always baseball. After being drafted into the US Army in 1968, he served as a platoon leader and received the Bronze Star for his leadership and bravery.
Upon his return to baseball, Bumbry quickly made a name for himself with the Orioles. He became their starting centerfielder and hit .337 in 1973, winning Rookie of the Year.
Over the next decade, he played an outstanding 14-year career with thirteen seasons spent with Baltimore.
Like many veterans of earlier wars, Bumbry matured significantly during his service. He said, “The only thing I can say about that experience was I’m no hero.” His legacy lives on in the Orioles Hall of Fame, where he remains one of the organization’s most beloved players.
This Veterans Day, as we honor those who have served, let us also remember the stories of these baseball players and their remarkable journeys. Their sacrifices and resilience continue to inspire us both on and off the field.
