American Moments with Oliver North
Hosted by LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret.)—combat-decorated Marine, historian, and Founder of Freedom Alliance—this series brings to life the defining events and heroes that shaped America’s character. From the Constitution to the “Miracle on Ice,” these stories honor the courage, patriotism, and innovation that make America the greatest nation on earth.
American Moments with Oliver North
Baseball – America’s National Pastime
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America’s national pastime is more than a game—it reflects the values, traditions, and spirit of our nation.
In this episode of American Moments with Oliver North, we explore the history of baseball, from its early beginnings to the traditions that became woven into American life. Along the way, we remember the players who stepped away from the diamond to serve their country, including legends like Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Jackie Robinson.
From the seventh inning stretch during World War I to President George W. Bush’s first pitch after 9/11, baseball has often united Americans during moments of challenge and triumph. More than wins and losses, the game reminds us of perseverance, sacrifice, and the enduring American spirit.
As we celebrate the 250th birthday of our great nation, we're recalling some of the significant moments in the history of these United States. Baseball is called our national pastime, but its origins are British. And for decades, Civil War hero Abner Doubleday of Cooperstown, New York, was credited with having invented the sport in 1839. Turns out, most of the rules of the game, including the diamond-shaped infield, the foul lines, the rules on balls and strikes, all those measurements were devised by Alexander Cartwright in 1845. It's a game that can be both beautiful and complicated, just like all of us. It's a game defined not by a clock, but by the pursuit of home. American values are woven into the very fabric of baseball's traditions. The hallowed grounds where the game is played, from little league fields to major league stadiums, are places to which we escaped for nine innings of great fun. The Star Spangled Banner officially became our national anthem in 1931, but it was during the seventh inning stretch of the 1918 World Series that Red Sox third baseman Fred Thomas, on leave from the United States Navy, saluted as the band began to play. The crowd jumped to their feet and a tradition was born. Some of baseball's biggest stars, Bob Feller, Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musual, Willie Mays, Gil Hodges, and Warren Spahn interrupted their major league careers to serve in World War II. Connections between baseball players and military service are exemplified by two men who were both catchers, arguably the toughest position on any team. Morris Moe, as he was called, Berg, played 15 seasons, most often as a catcher in Brooklyn, Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, and the Washington Senators between 1923 and 1939. From 1943 to 45, he served in the OSS, the predecessor to the CIA, to spy overseas, collecting intelligence on Hitler's efforts to build nuclear bombs.
SPEAKER_01There's a drive, hit me to right field.
SPEAKER_02Then there's Lorenzo Yogi Berra, who was just 16 when the U.S. entered World War II. When you got to England, did you know that you were going to make the Normandy landing?
SPEAKER_00No, we found out that when we got there. When they took it for training and everything, they said we're going to get ready for an invasion.
SPEAKER_02Did you have a chance to play any baseball over there?
SPEAKER_00No. We didn't put it all over there.
SPEAKER_02Like so many heroes of the greatest generation, Yogi had to be cajoled into acknowledging being under fire and wounded in action, 300 yards off Omaha Beach on D-Day at Normandy. It was less than a month after his 19th birthday. In 1944, Jackie Robinson was in the uniform of a U.S. Army second lieutenant armor officer. Three years later, he wore a Brooklyn Dodgers jersey and made history when he stood at first base in Ebbett's Field. In challenging times, the diamond has been a place of national unity. It was October 2001, in the aftermath of 9-11, when President George W. Bush took the mound at Yankee Stadium, just miles from ground zero. He threw a perfect strike to open game three of the World Series and signaled the world that America could not be intimidated. Baseball is about freshly cut grass, the roar of the crowd, the crack of a bat hitting a ball. It reminds us of our shared history and our best values. It's a game defined by tenacity and skill to get back in the box and swing again. That's why so many of us love the call at the start of one. Play ball! We hope you've enjoyed this edition of American Moments. Please visit freedomalliance.org for more great moments in American history.