Dear Readers
Join us for the start of a new series. Starting with the 1950s, Baseball and America will search through the last seven decades for fun stories, interesting facts, standout individuals, and history-making events in both baseball and our country’s history. In many ways, baseball has mirrored the development of our country’s history. The series will be a five part review of each decade: An introduction of the decade, an overview of what was happening in baseball and the USA, the greatest pennant races and World Series of each decade, notable events and stories from both baseball and USA history, and some trivia questions Come along and tell your friends - it’s free!
Part I The Fifties, An Introduction
An Age of Affluence?
America entered the fifties as the world leader. The war was behind us; the economy was booming; and jobs were plentiful. There was a tremendous migration to the suburbs and ranch style homes. The G.I. Bill of Rights was passed to assist armed forces veterans in purchasing homes and going to college. Televisions were becoming a fixture in most houses and every family seemed to own a car. Women had returned to their homes following their wartime employment to tend to their families, although many were finding the return less than fulfilling. Faith in God, country and science was the symbol of the generation. Oh! And there was a young singer named Elvis. Baseball was truly the national pastime. If it wasn’t the Yankees making the headlines, it was the Brooklyn Dodgers. Mickey, Willie, and the Duke stole the hearts of New Yorkers. Ted Williams was in Boston, Stan Musial in St Louis, Warren Spahn was unbeatable, and the Whiz Kids stumbled from first to worse. But would the good times last? Read on.
Next Week: Part II 1950s Baseball and America Happenings