OT: RIP Bob Feller

[Robextend]

One of the all time greats, and a true American hero....

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5924684

[BlueDevil89]

Bob Feller was indeed a true American hero. Signed with the Indians at age 16, and played his first game of MLB baseball at age 17. One of the original flame-throwers and a legend on the mound. 266 lifetime wins and 2,581 strikeouts. Three (3) no-hitters to go with twelve (12) one-hitters. Led the Indians pitching staff to Cleveland's last World Series victory in 1948.

After the USA was attacked at Pearl Harbor, Feller was the first MLB player to enlist. Had he not missed four (4) seasons, his stats would have been all the more impressive. Even though he had qualified for a deferment, Feller chose to give up some of his prime baseball years to serve his country as a member of the US Navy.

An eight (8) time All-Star, Feller led the league in wins six (6) times and strikeouts seven (7) times. He also led the league in hit batsmen six (6) times - now that's a pitcher who knew how to throw inside!

One of the all-time greats of the game.

[yanksfan09]

A sad day, but he certainly had a long and full life. RIP

[Rob D.]

Bob Feller was inducted in Cooperstown in 1962, meaning he was a Hall of Famer for 48 years of his life. Can anyone think of a player who lived as long after his enshrinement? Pretty cool.

[Robextend]

Originally Posted by Rob D.

Bob Feller was inducted in Cooperstown in 1962, meaning he was a Hall of Famer for 48 years of his life. Can anyone think of a player who lived as long after his enshrinement? Pretty cool.

I think Feller might hold that record, off the top of my head I think DiMaggio was about 44 or 45 years...I can't think of anyone else, but that is very interesting.

[brickyardkennedy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3SkFFltRjo

[Beatles Guy]

Goodbye Bob, you were not only one of the greatest players, you were an American hero.

[prewarsports]

They dont make them like that anymore. He was part of Americas Greatest Generation for sure. I have a HUGE amount of respect for the guys who willingly gave up their time in the majors (many of whom never were able to play again) to serve their country. He was certainly one of the greatest stories that the game of Baseball has ever produced and one of its top 5-10 pitchers of all time.

[Batter67up]

I was lucky to meet him in July this year and get his autograph in person. He was very nice! He was probably the last living HOFer that played in the 30's. RIP Mr. Feller.

[bh3443]

According to the Chicago Tribune Bob Feller passed away. The post was on an hour ago. RIP Mr. Feller.

This quote really hit home:
died at 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday night of acute leukemia at a hospice, said Bob DiBiasio.

[esd10]

one of the greatest pitchers and the greatest men the game has ever seen.

[vintagehofrookies]

I've met him a few times since 2007 when I 1st got into getting HOF auto's and Bob Feller was the HOFer that I wanted to meet the most. He was my 1st paid IP HOF auto that I got and he was such a class act and a real Great person,
RIP Mr. Feller

[autograf]

On field activities are secondary to his status as a great American. Always generous in person as well. RIP Rapid Robert..........