Buddy Lewis was born on October 8, 1916, in Gastonia, North Carolina. From a young age, he showed a passion for baseball and dreamed of playing in the major leagues.
At the age of 20, Lewis joined the Washington Senators as a third baseman. He quickly became known for his exceptional fielding skills and powerful hitting. In 1938, he was selected to play in his first All-Star game, showcasing his talent to a national audience.
However, Lewis put his baseball career on hold when World War II broke out. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and became a pilot, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery in combat. Despite the dangers he faced, Lewis always knew that serving his country was the right thing to do.
After the war, Lewis returned to baseball and continued to excel on the field. In 1947, he was once again selected to play in the All-Star game, proving that his skills had not diminished during his time away from the sport.
Off the field, Lewis was a devoted husband to his wife, Frances Oates Lewis. Their love and support sustained him through the challenges of war and the demands of a professional baseball career.
Buddy Lewis will always be remembered as a true American hero who sacrificed his own ambitions to protect his country. His legacy lives on in the hearts of baseball fans and military veterans alike.