* Lest we forget: Bert Shepard

June 20, 2008

One of those heart-warming stories following World War II, Shepard was a flier who was shot down and captured in Germany. His injuries required the amputation of his right leg below the knee.

Upon his return to the States, Shepard was signed by the Washington Senators and pitched in one game, against the Red Sox on August 4, 1945 with his team trailing 14-2 in the fourth inning. He tossed 5.1 innings, allowing three hits and a run, walking one, striking out two and hitting a batter. Although he was hitless in three plate appearances (one strikeout), he did field two chances without an error. I’m sure research will show whether Sox batters dared try to bunt on him.

Shepard died June 16 at the age of 87.

His amazing story was included in several volumes about baseball and WW II or disabled players, including:

  • Beating the Breaks: Major League Ballplayers Who Overcame Disabilities, by Rick Swaine
  • The Pitcher, by John Thorn and John Holway
  • Called Up: Stories of Life and Faith from the Great Game of Baseball, by Dave Dravecky
  • Spartan Seasons: How Baseball Survived the Second World War, by Richard Goldstein
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