RIP Lou Brissie

Pitcher spent 7 years with the Philadelphia Athletics & Cleveland Indians in the late 1940s/early 1950s, but it's amazing that he ever got there. An exploding shell during World War II nearly cost him his left leg.

After first considering amputation, a military surgeon wired the bones in his leg --- which had been shattered into nearly 30 pieces --- back together. He was in the big leagues less than three years later with two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and a Combat Infantry Award (the doctor later received a commendation from the U.S. Surgeon General).

Dead at 89. RIP.

http://chronicle.augusta.com/sports/baseball/2013-11-26/war-hero-baseball-star-lou-brissie-dies

 

An incredible story of courage and perseverance. RIP to a man who had a wonderful life.

 

Reminded by this story of Monty Stratton, who if he'd played in the modern age would've had no problem with today's prosthetics. Brissie today would opt for amputation and be back sooner. Guess we just haven't had a big enough war yet.