RIP Bob Feller

Baseball lost one of its greats today with the passing of legendary righthanded pitcher Bob Feller. Feller spent his entire 18 year career with the Cleveland Indians and was a member of their last World Series winning team in 1948. Over his career Feller won 266 games and recorded 2581 strike outs, including a single-game record at the time of 18 against the Detroit Tigers on October 2, 1938. He also threw 3 no-hitters, led the American League in strike outs seven times and totalled 46 shutouts in his career. An 8-time all star, Feller was more than just a baseball player though. When Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941, Feller was the first Major Leaguer to enlist. He served through the remainder of the war on board the USS Alabama and was awarded 5 campaign ribbons and 8 battle stars and made the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Some speculate had he not missed those four seasons to the war, 350 wins and over 3000 strikeouts would have been well within reach. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1962, Feller is currently the only Chief Petty Officer enshrined in Cooperstown. Truly one of the all time greats, it is a sad day for Cleveland and for Baseball. Rest in Peace, Bob.