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The History of Edward L. Grant
Edward Leslie Grant, born and bred in Franklin, MA has been dead for over 75 years. But his story is no less inspiring now than it was in 1918 when he became only 1 of 3 major league baseball players killed in action in WWI.
Eddie Grant was a Harvard graduate who played 10 years in the Majors. After a three hit debut with the Cleveland Naps of the American League, he went to the minors. He reappeared with the 1907 Phillies, and took over as leadoff batter in 1908, leading the NL in at-bats in 1908 and 1909. Grant became a fine-fielding third baseman, fast on the bases and dependable in the clutch. In 1915, after two-and-a-half seasons with the Giants, where he was a favorite of John McGraw, he retired to practice law in New York City.
When war was declared on Germany, he joined the 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division, entering the service from New York. He was leading a mission in the Argonne Forest to rescue the "Lost Battalion" when he was killed by German shell fire. He became one of three Major League players killed in World War I. A monument to his memory was placed in centerfield in the Polo Grounds' in New York. Each Memorial Day there was a wreath-laying ceremony at his plaque.
Birth: May 21, 1883
Death: Oct. 9, 1918
Cause of Death: Killed By German Shell Fire |
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