Today I'll cover the 2003 inductees.
As with previous ones, click the picture to go to the Hall page for that person. It will open in a new window.
The Japanese-Canadian team that was effectively disbanded due to World War II.
This is from the Hall Website writeup:
Early in 1942, following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Canadian government interned all people of Japanese descent, confiscating their property, and uprooting their lives. As a team, the Asahi never played together again. Yet, when these men, along with thousands of Japanese Canadians, were removed to prison camps, they took with them the spirit of baseball. Little by little, bats and balls appeared and these former Asahi players assembled baseball teams. Soon these men were playing against their RCMP prison guards, then with local townspeople – many of who had never seen a Japanese person before and were surprised to discover they spoke perfect English. Baseball, the ultimate symbol of North American culture, was a common bond. It helped dispel suspicions and fears and led to lasting friendships that exist today.
Voting for the Asahi.
ReplyDeleteJoe Carter should be banned from baseball. Evil man.
Philly fan?
DeleteThe Asahi card is awesome!
ReplyDeleteDitto. I've gotta add that card to my collection.
Delete