Early Years
Born in Washington, D.C., Blue grew up a fan of the Washington Senators. Despite stern discouragement from his family, who thought baseball was a waste of time, Blue was determined to play baseball. He attended Briarly Hall Military School in Poolsville, Maryland, where his play drew the attention of professional scouts. Blue signed with the minor league Martinsburg Blue Sox. In 1917, the switch-hitting Blue reportedly hit grand slams from both sides of the plate in the same game.
The Detroit Tigers purchased Blue’s contract in the fall of 1917. Blue did not make the team in 1918 and was drafted into the U.S. Army. Blue served at Camp Lee, Virginia until the war ended in 1919. He re-joined the Tigers after World War I, but was sent to Portland in the Pacific Coast League, where he played in 1919 and 1920.
Read more about this topic: Lu Blue
Famous quotes related to early years:
“Even today . . . experts, usually male, tell women how to be mothers and warn them that they should not have children if they have any intention of leaving their side in their early years. . . . Children don’t need parents’ full-time attendance or attention at any stage of their development. Many people will help take care of their needs, depending on who their parents are and how they chose to fulfill their roles.”
—Stella Chess (20th century)