For those who didn't make it back

Since its Memorial Day (well the 30th was always Memorial Day and you watched the Indy 500 but that's another story) I thought I would do my annual tribute to Billy Hebert who was the first professional baseball player killed in WWII. Memorial Day is, after all, to remember those killed in war. Hebert was a Stockton California native and for many years the Stockton Ports of the California League played their home games in Billy Hebert Field. (see links below) In 2005 the city of Stockton built the Ports a new ballpark (one of the contributing factors to Stockton's bankruptcy) but unfortunately they did not carry Hebert's name over to the new stadium. However when the Ports are home on Memorial Day they mention Billy Hebert and his name is on the war memorial for Stockton natives in the city park beyond left field.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hebert001wil

http://www.baseballsgreatestsacrifice.com/biographies/hebert_billy.html

Thanks again for reminding us - a very fitting and appropriate gesture on your part.

Agreed. My thanks as well.

Thanks this was interesting.

Ric

Today (May 30th) is the real Memorial Day so again, thanks to Billy Hebert and all those who "gave the last full measure of their devotion."

Ed