(Above: Jerseys worn by the Camp Shelby baseball team. photo courtesy of Camp Shelby Historical Archives)
Camp Shelby, located just south of Hattiesburg, MS has a rich history that extends beyond its primary role as a military training facility. While its contributions to the military are well-documented, as the largest state-owned military outpost in the country. The camp has also played a significant role in the cultural and recreational life of the soldiers stationed there, including the sport of baseball.
Camp Shelby was established in 1917 during World I as a military training center for American Expeditionary Forces, a group of the U.S. Army established during World War I. The camp is named for Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary War hero and the first Governor of Kentucky. During this time baseball emerged as a popular pastime among soldiers, providing a much-needed diversion from the rigors of military training. Across the country military camps like Camp Shelby began hosted baseball games and establishing their own teams.
(Above: One of Camp Shelby’s baseball teams. photo courtesy of Camp Shelby Historical Archives)
Camp Shelby closed after World War I, but reopened in 1934 after the State of Mississippi acquired the land to train the National Guard. Camp Shelby was expanded in the late 1930’s in anticipation of World War II. Soldiers stationed at Camp Shelby began playing baseball to boost morale, just like they had did during the first World War. Baseball games on the base were a common sight, providing entertainment and sense of normalcy for those stationed there.
(Above: Camp Shelby in 1941 during World War II; photo courtesy of Camp Shelby Historical Archives)
1940’s saw the formation of the Camp Shelby All-Stars, which included many current and future big leaguers. The Camp Shelby All-Stars even won the 1941 Mississippi Semi-Pro State Title game, played up the road at Hattiesburg’s Kamper Park. They returned and won the 1946 game as well.
Some of the notable ballplayers who played on the Camp Shelby All-Stars included a first baseman from New Orleans named Zeke Bonura. He played for several teams in the 1930’s including the White Sox and Cubs. In 1941 he joined the Army and was stationed at Camp Shelby. Bonura was arguably Camp Shelby’s best player and helped coach the team for two years. In 1943 was transferred to Algeria and helped organize the infamous North African World Series – where the best two American Military baseball teams in the world played for a Championship in North Africa.
(Above: New Orleans native Zeke Bonura was a star player for the Camp Shelby All-Stars. He later helped organize the North African World Series. And played for the Cubs and White Sox)
Another popular player on the team was pitcher Al Brazle, who would later win a World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1946. Mississippi State baseball legend Boo Ferris also briefly played for the team, before becoming a two-time all-star with the Red Sox. He would best be known for his 46-year coaching stint coaching for Mississippi State and Delta State. While at Delta State once cut a young player by the name of John Grisham, who would later become one of the greatest writers of the last 40 years. Another local player on the team, Pascagoula’s Harry “The Hat” Walker. The two time all-star with the Cardinals would have a 16 year career playing for various teams until 1955. From 1955-1972 he was the manager of the Astros and Pirates.
(Above: Mississippi State alum Boo Ferris one of the greatest pitchers to ever play for the Red Sox pitched for the Camp Shelby All-Stars. Below: Boo Ferris is best known for his 46 years coaching at Delta State and Mississippi State)
Following World War II, Camp Shelby was deactivated. It later opened during the Korean War and has been active ever since. In recent years the legacy of Camp Shelby’s baseball history has been honored by the Southern Miss baseball team. On Saturday (3/8), for the second straight year the Golden Eagles donned the historic Camp Shelby jerseys for their annual military appreciation game. In true veterans spirit the Golden Eagles battled back to defeat UNC-Wilmington 2-1 behind a walk-off from first baseman Matthew Russo This gesture not only honors the players who served in the military during World War II, but also celebrates the game of baseball at Camp Shelby that providing a brief escape of the harsh realities of war.
(Above: Southern Miss first baseman Matthew Russo trots around the bases on the way to home after the go ahead walk off home run in the 9th inning to lift the Golden Eagles to a 2-1 victory Saturday.)
About The Author
