Playing with the Enemy (by Gary W. Moore) is a book about so much more than baseball! It’s the engrossing true story about a 15 year-old prodigy – the best player in his small town – who is discovered by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1940. The Dodgers are convinced Gene Moore is a “can’t-miss” prospect who, until World War II intervenes, is destined for stardom in the big leagues.
This isn’t just the story of a player who lost he’s chance when the real world got in the way of his dream. It’s the story of how Gene Moore made the most of his experience in the Navy – serving his country when duty called – yet finding a way to bring baseball to an unlikely group of POW’s while keeping his dream alive.
The capture of the Germany U-Boat U-505 is very well known. This is the U-Boat that today sits in the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. What isn’t so well known, is what became of the men captured with their submarine.
Not only did the taking of U-505 change the course of the war, it forever changed the life of Gene Moore.
Gene was called to guard the prisoners taken from U-505 in a secret location in Louisiana. Bored with the day-to-day task, and fearful of losing his baseball skills, Gene convinces his commander to let him teach the German prisoners the American Pastime.
What Gene learns about his enemy, and what happens to him in one particular game, sets his life on a different course. The story follows his return from the war and his battle back to play the game for which he is destined.
This is a fascinating story written by the author (Gene’s son) after discovering the details only near the end of his father’s life. Why his father never spoke of baseball – in fact would never go to his son’s games – is a great American story that sheds light on the issues of duty, honor and love for the game of baseball.
Heartbreaking and exhilarating at the same time – Playing with the Enemy is highly recommended reading!
You can find “Playing with the Enemy: A Baseball Prodigy, World War II, and the Long Journey Home” at Amazon.
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I have not listened to the Audible recording of this book, but it is available there, too: