Eddie Grant was the first major league player to die in combat.
19858_1000102607.jpg
This is the plaque that was installed at the Polo Grounds in his memory.
GrantPlaque640h.jpg
Off Topic: This is the helmet my grandfather Manuel Andrews wore during his time as an infantryman with the 9th Batallion of the 2nd Division in France in 1918/1919. He suffered the effects of mustard gas during the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918 and it affected him to some extent for the rest of his life. He arrived in Key West from the Azore Islands as a stowaway at the age of 14. He Anglicized his name and falsified his age to join the Army at the age of 15 and was sent to France where the 2nd Division was formed.
IMG_2044.jpg