Part 6/10:
The impact of World War II on baseball is profound and multifaceted. The league saw dramatic changes as thousands of players went off to war, ensuring that teams fielded different rosters, with many young or untested players stepping into the line-up. The competition within Major League Baseball shifted as established stars left not only to serve but also to fill roles in the military.
Attendance in Major League games remained robust despite the absences; in fact, the game managed to experience a kind of renaissance during key moments, especially in the famous seasons of 1941 and beyond. However, it wasn’t without complication. The shortage of players meant teams struggled to maintain competitive play, and the loss of stars like Mahi influenced the game in unexpected ways.