Research Library
In-depth research profiles on the eight ballplayers whose stories define the HOME & AWAY series. Each document includes sourced citations, archival leads, and documentary recommendations.
THE HILL
St. Louis Italian neighborhood that produced three Hall of Famers
THE FIGHT BEFORE THE FIGHT
Breaking barriers: integration pioneers who served before they could integrate
Jackie Robinson
Second Base | Army Lieutenant
Court-martialed for refusing to move to the back of an Army bus. The man who broke baseball's color barrier first had to fight the Army's.
Read ResearchLarry Doby
Center Field | Navy Seaman
The forgotten pioneer. Integrated the American League 11 weeks after Robinson. Pacific theater veteran who faced segregation in both uniforms.
Read ResearchHank Greenberg
First Base | Army Air Forces Captain
First MLB player to enlist after Pearl Harbor. Jewish star who faced antisemitism, then returned from war to mentor Jackie Robinson.
Read ResearchTHE BRIDGE
Combat veterans whose shared battlefield experience transcended baseball's divide
Warren Spahn
Pitcher | Army Combat Engineer
Battle of the Bulge, Remagen Bridge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star. "After what I went through overseas, I never thought of anything I was told to do in baseball as hard work."
Read ResearchMonte Irvin
Outfield | Army Engineer
Negro Leagues star who lost prime years to war. Served in segregated unit, returned to help integrate the Giants. Should have been first.
Read Research20/10
Fighter pilots with perfect vision who risked everything twice
Ted Williams
Left Field | Marines Captain
The greatest hitter who ever lived. Lost 5 prime years to two wars. Korean War jet pilot. John Glenn's wingman. Crash-landed a flaming F9F Panther.
Read ResearchJerry Coleman
Second Base | Marines Captain
Only MLB player to see combat in two wars. 120 combat missions. Distinguished Flying Cross twice. "We were trained to do a job. We did it."
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