On January 15, 1942, “I honestly feel it would be best for the country to keep baseball going.” – FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, U.S. President sends his famed “Green Light” letter to Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, encouraging major league baseball to continue playing during World War II. Despite the loss of many star players to military service, all 16 teams will continue to play regular schedules for the duration of the war.FDR responds he believes playing the sport would be good for Americans and encourages the owners to have more games at night to give war workers an opportunity to attend games.

Ironically, the Chicago Cubs, who had signed an agreement with a contractor to install lights at Wrigley Field, drop their plans because of the military’s need for the material. It will take 35 more years before lights are finally installed at the venerable ballpark.