Redlands, CA - Todd Anton, author of the best-selling "No Greater Love: True Stories from the Men Who Saved Baseball" will sign his book from 4-6pm on Saturday, February 23rd at the Redlands Barnes & Noble. Anton will be joined by two modern heroes: soldiers and baseball players Ray Judy and Elton Shaw of the US Military All-Stars baseball team.
"In no professional sport have more men sacrificed for their country than baseball," says Anton. "No Greater Love highlights the sacrifices and heroism of many of baseball's military veterans - Bert Shepard, Don Newcombe, Dom DiMaggio, Jerry Coleman, Johnny Pesky, Ernie Harwell, Vin Scully, Bob Feller, and others."
In WWII, the draft meant that every American male between the ages of 21 and 36 was required to register for 12 months of military service to help ensure the independence and freedom of the United States. This was the greatest defense program in the history of the nation and put nearly two million men in uniform by the end of 1941.
The draft affected every profession, and baseball was no exception.
Anton's book is a tribute to an era where patriotism and duty to country trumped personal ambition. In the 'greatest generation,' men who played professional baseball answered the call to arms when Americans needed them most.
No Greater Love tells of Hank Greenberg, who received his draft call on May 7, 1941. "Hammerin' Hank" was in the pinnacle of his career: he'd played in three World Series, two all-star games, had hit 58 home runs in 1938 and was the American League's MVP in 1940. Greenberg gave up his $55,000 yearly salary for $21 per month Army pay. Greenberg is quoted: "If there's any last message to be given to the public, let it be that I'm going to be a good soldier."
The memories and wisdom of the men who saved baseball assisted author Todd Anton as he pursued his own personal mission to honor his late father, a World War II/Korean War combat veteran, by writing this book. No Greater Love melds together elements that will remind readers of both Field of Dreams and Saving Private Ryan.
Todd Anton is a public school history teacher in Phelan, who grew up in Oak Glen and went to Yucaipa High School. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.
The U.S. Military All-Stars are comprised of Active Duty, Reserve and Veterans who participate while off-duty and cover their own expenses to ensure all available resources support the brave men and women overseas. Learn more about the team at www.usmilitaryallstars.us.
The February 23 signing will take place at Barnes & Noble in the Citrus Plaza shopping center at 27460 Lugonia Ave Redlands. For more information, call (909)793-4322
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