Navy Ballplayers Enjoy Leisure Time During WWII in 1943
The page from the August 1943 Baseball Magazine features three former Major League Baseball players who are now serving in the Navy during World War II. The players are identified as Elmer Sidlo, formerly with the Cleveland Indians; Johnny Rigney, who played for the Chicago White Sox; and Benny McCoy, of the Philadelphia Athletics. The image captures them taking a break from their military duties to engage in some lighthearted activity, humorously described as "Punch the bag." This reflects the intersection of sports and military life during a time when many athletes enlisted to serve in the war. The backdrop of the article emphasizes the camaraderie among these players and their adaptation to service life while maintaining their connection to baseball.