(Washington, DC)  --  U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-OH) today introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives honoring his constituent, Bob Feller, for his military service during World War II and recognizing the 60th anniversary of his greatest baseball season.

 LaTourette’s measure has the following original House co-sponsors:  Reps. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Stephanie Tubbs-Jones (D-OH), Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) and Tom Latham (R-IA).  In addition, LaTourette said Sen. Mike DeWine (R-OH) is introducing an identical resolution in the Senate with Sen. Voinovich (R-OH) as an original co-sponsor.

 LaTourette said Feller is a “baseball legend and war hero.”

 “Bob Feller valiantly served in World War II and then returned to baseball after missing nearly four seasons,” LaTourette said.  “Many whispered that his best days were over, but his 1946 season was one for the record books.”

 Feller, 87, enlisted in the U.S. Navy two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor in1941 at the peak of his baseball career.  He served 44 months, many of them aboard the U.S.S. Alabama where he was an anti-aircraft gunner, and earned eight battle stars.  Feller missed nearly four full seasons, pitching in only a handful of games at the end of the 1945 season.
 
 In 1946, LaTourette said Feller pitched a remarkable 36 complete games in 42 starts.  He led the American League in wins, shutouts, strikeouts, games pitched and innings.

 Feller struck out 348 batters, then a Major League record.  In April of 1946, he also pitched his second no-hitter, this time against the Yankees in New York.  In 1946, Feller went 26-15 with 10 shutouts (including the no-hitter), and had a career-low 2.18 ERA.  Feller also pitched in relief six times, saving four games, and pitched a total of 371 1/3 innings.  Feller was the winning pitcher in the 1946 All-Star Game, throwing three scoreless innings in a 12-0 victory by the American League.

 “Millions of baseball fans adore ‘Rapid Robert’ Feller and can recite his stats, but many probably don’t know that he considers his war service more important than anything he ever accomplished in baseball,” LaTourette said.  “This is a man who didn’t hesitate for a second when his country needed him, and I’m pleased to honor and recognize his military service.”

 Brown said he was pleased to support Feller.

 “Only greater than his many accomplishments on the mound was Bob Feller’s selfless commitment to protecting our country,” Brown said.  “He is an inspiration and a hero to us all.”

 Kucinich also praised Feller.

 “Bob Feller’s contributions to the Cleveland community, and the nation, are immeasurable,” Kucinich said.  “It is an honor to join with my colleagues to recognize this great man.”

 LaTourette, a lifelong Indians fan, said one of the highlights of his life was throwing out the opening pitch at a Lake County Captains game last year with Feller.  The Captains are a Class A minor league affiliate of the Indians.

 “The only advice Feller gave me was ‘Don’t hit the dirt, son’ and never have more intimidating words been spoken to me,” LaTourette said. “I think Bob must have blessed the ball because it went right over the plate.”

 Feller was born in Van Meter, IA, and signed with the Cleveland Indians when he was 16 years old.  He played 18 seasons for the Indians.  Feller and his wife, Anne, live in Gates Mills, OH.