Ted Lyons is a wonderful example and model of what the greatest generation meant to America. As one of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award honorees, Mr. Lyons represents the “Always Faithful” Marine motto in each aspect of his life. Lyons, otherwise known as “Sunday Teddy”, because he was scheduled to pitch on Sundays to draw the crowds, had an interesting path to his baseball and military careers.
Lyons was a well-loved player on and off the diamond, becoming a fan favorite as a pitcher on the Chicago White Sox. He was known as a gentleman in all that he did.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 and graduated from training in Quantico, Virginia in April of that same year. After completing trailing, he returned to Chicago and reported to Navy Pier.
Throughout his military training, Lyons was asked about a potential return to baseball after completing his service. In June of 1943, he returned to Comiskey Park to lead a Marines detachment drill.
Lyons continued to pitch while in the military, pitching for the Camp Pendleton Marines when he was stationed in San Diego at Camp Pendleton. He also managed the recreation of the Fourth Marine Air Wing and wanted to put in a baseball diamond, but there was no space on the islands to add a legitimate playing field.
He was later promoted to captain in 1944 and sent to the Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged a year later in 1945, returning to his home with the White Sox as a player for a short time before taking over the managing roles from Jimmy Dykes.
Lyons left us many lasting memories, stories, and humorous quotes, including “I left the country to get away from DiMaggio and there he was,” showing both the humor and character of Captain Ted Lyons. Semper Fidelis, Marine.
We are proud to spotlight, Ted Lyons as one of the 39 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Honorees.
TED LYONS ON KWAJALEIN
MARINE CAPTAIN TED LYONS PITCHER FOR CHICAGO WHITE SOX TEACHES NATIVES ON KWAJALEIN HOW TO PLAY BASEBALL DURING WORLD WAR II, NOVEMBER 1944.
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