This picture was taken in the Bob Feller Museum at Van Meter, IA when Elaine, Brother Don and Gladys stopped there on our way home from Tomah, WI. This morning's Omaha World-Herald carried a story on the Museum being converted to the Van Meter City Hall. It is a striking example of "fleeting fame". Feller was an "All Star" pitcher for the Cleveland Indians back in the glory years of Major League Baseball. He gained National attention as a 17-year old HS student in 1936 when he made his Major League debut. In 1938 he set a record of striking out 18 in a 9- inning game. He pitched the first of his 3 no-hitters on opening day in 1940, the year he won 27 games. His career was interrupted by over 4 years of service in the U.S.Navy during WWII for which he was awarded 8 battle stars. He resumed his career with the Indians in '46, retired after the '56 season having led the league in strikeouts 7 times; and, was voted into the Hall of Fame on his first ballot in 1962. His architect son Stephen, designed the Museum in their home town where Bob had grown up on a 360 Ac. family farm. The Museum opened on June 10, 1995 and was visited frequently by Bob, family members, celebrities and sports fans. However, following Bob's death from Leukemia on 12/15/10 at the age of 92, visitors dropped off dramatically and it was closed earlier this year. Some of the memorabilia will remain in the building following its transfer to the city and other provided to the Cleveland Indians Charity.
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