Date

7-21-2026

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)

Chair

Vance Kincade

Keywords

World War II, Major League Baseball

Disciplines

History

Abstract

This dissertation examines how professional baseball survived and contributed to the United States war efforts during the Second World War. It argues baseball’s survival was dependent on its relationship with the federal government during the war. Previous scholarships studied baseball’s symbolism, cultural, economic, and social impacts during wartime. The scholarship has not explored how these methodologies sustained baseball while under wartime conditions. Drawing on primary sources including federal government records, correspondences, and national and local newspapers, this dissertation reconstructs the relationship between professional baseball and the federal government. Providing crucial support for Organized Baseball’s continuation came from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Green Light” letter. Professional baseball dealt with the effects of the war such as manpower shortages, restrictions on transportation, countrywide rationing by adjusting their business systems. Beyond altering their business practices, Major League Baseball contributed to the war efforts through fundraising. In addition, the military incorporated baseball on training camps in the United States and on foreign bases for servicemen’s entertainment and morale building. Thus, expanding the game’s interest. Additionally, this study explores the contributions, if any, by Minor League Baseball, the Negro League, and All-American Girls Professional League to supporting the major league’s survival.

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