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Opening preamble of the United States of America Constitution with a right facing view(toddtaulman/Getty Images/iStockphoto / iStockphoto)

July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States of America’s Declaration of Independence.

One of the longest running traditions in the U.S. is the game of baseball, which dates back almost 200 years.

In his latest edition of Reading Baseball, Pete Peterson has the remarkable story of Lou Brissie, a World War II hero who against all mathematical and medical odds, became an all-star pitcher in the Major Leagues.

Reading Baseball is a series of essays and commentaries by Richard “Pete” Peterson, co-author with his son Stephen, of The Slide: Leyland, Bonds and the Star-Crossed Pittsburgh Pirates and the editor of The St. Louis Baseball Reader.