Elmer Gedeon Cut Autograph: Died World War II

[HexsHeroes]

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1933 Atlanta Crackers team signed album page. Shortly after purchasing this album page, I attempted to contact broadcasting legend Ernie Harwell. I was hoping that Mr. Harwell would have a personal remembrance to share, regarding Duck McKee. Unfortunately, my initial effort to contact Ernie occurred shortly after he announced that he would not undergo (further ?) treatment for his recently diagnosed cancer. Two further mail attempts for a response also went unanswered. While the failure to receive the hoped-upon response was disappointing, it was far insignificant compared to the lost of a man with the baseball history of an Ernie Harwell.


from Gary Bedingfield's Baseball in Wartime website:


John W. "Duck" McKee


Date and Place of Birth: July 7, 1910 Ellenwood, Georgia
Date and Place of Death: March 6, 1945 Belgium
Baseball Experience: Minor League
Position: Outfield
Rank: Lieutenant
Military Unit: U.S. Army
Area Served: European Theater of Operations


John W "Duck" McKee was born on July 7, 1910 in Ellenwood, Georgia. He was a star athlete at Georgia Tech University, playing football and baseball for four years.

McKee signed with the Atlanta Crackers in the Southern Association upon graduation in 1932 and played 86 games in right field, batting .314. In 1933, he batted .316 in 149 games, and had a .306 average in 141 games in 1934.

The following year - 1935 - he was traded to the Tulsa Oilers of the Texas League but refused to play and voluntarily retired instead. McKee stayed in Atlanta where he married Mary Holcomb and worked as a salesman for Firestone Auto Supplies and Services.

Lieutenant McKee served with the Army in Europe. He was seriously wounded in action on March 6, 1945 and died a few days later.

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