By RENE TORRES
On Dec. 7, 1941, life in the United States was interrupted by Japan and the attack on Pearl Harbor. After this point, people prepared to live with less of everything that made up their daily lives.
One historian wrote: “Citizens wondered if there would be enough to eat when soldiers needed food or if there would be a way to travel when army tanks needed gasoline.”
But just like chewing gum tycoon and Chicago Cubs’ owner Phillip K. Wrigley made sure the love for baseball was not lost during the war, Valley softball organizers also made sure the national pastime was in the forefront of entertainment during these difficult times.
SLICE OF SPORTS
By the summer of 1941, Valley diamonds were ready for another softball season. With the white lines, restraining ropes, wooden bleachers and the best chicken wire ready to go, the Valley girls of summer were waiting for the call to play ball.
With Valley boys turning into casualties overseas, the girls provided much-needed entertainment at home. Perhaps for that moment, home runs and hot dogs would overshadow the thoughts of war.
The season began just like any other, with the girls from all over the Valley showing their skills.
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