1815: The Battle of New Orleans

The Battle of New Orleans happened on this day in 1815.   The engagement happened after the war had officially ended with The Treaty of Ghent.   

The confrontation was consequential because it saved the Mississippi River for the US and it made Andrew Jackson into a national hero.   

Jackson was elected president in 1828.  

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We remember Jerry Coleman who played baseball and served in the US Marines

(My new American Thinker post)

From Ted Williams to Bob Feller to Joe DiMaggio, yesterday's professional athletes played ball and served in the US armed forces.  It was a different breed of man who was willing to risk injury in order to serve the country.

We learned over the weekend of the passing of Jerry Coleman:

""Coleman's playing career was unspectacular:
His career batting average was .263, he had little power and he played only one season as a regular.
But that one season was impressive: As the Yankees' everyday second baseman in 1950, he played 153 games, batted .287 and was named the most valuable player in the World Series as the Yankees swept the Phillies.  
As a Marine pilot, he flew in the Pacific during World War II and was recalled to fly during the Korean War."

Coleman is probably better known to younger fans as the voice of the San Diego Padres and his work on post season radio broadcasts. I also recalled a good book about his life called "An American Journey."   It's a fun read and tells the story of a impressive man.

I am not knocking today's players.  However, there is something about a guy who flew wartime missions and turned the double play!  

P.S.  You can listen to my show.  If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.

We remember Reno Bertoia (1935-2011)

Reno Bertoia was born in St. Vito Udine, Italy, in 1935.   His family settled in Windsor, Ontario and eventually started playing baseball.   

In 1953, Reno signed with Detroit and had one plate appearance at age 18.    He spent the next 10 seasons in the majors:  .244 batting average in 612 games.    Reno was better known for his infield glove.

According to SABR:   "Of the seven major leaguers born in Italy, he had the longest career, ten seasons.........."