We’ve already seen that cricket has been played at The Hawthorns in the past, but long before the floodlights were turned on for the limited overs game, other sports had taken place here, including baseball. 

Back on August 7, 1944, the USA Army met the Canadian Army (only the baseball teams you understand, the rest of them were busy elsewhere), at The Hawthorns for what was billed as ‘Star Baseball’ to enliven the bank holiday Monday.  

‘Come and see this needle game’ read the ads, the pitch off taking place at 3pm, following entertainment from the USA Army band, by kind permission of Col. James A. Killian.   

‘Usual Albion prices’ applied with proceeds going to the Red Cross Prisoners of War Fund and the Mayor’s Comforts Fund. Those two charities ended up £148 better off for the afternoon’s entertainment, about which little was reported, despite a running commentary being given through the game. Not even the Canadian Journal of Baseball knows the score, and we asked…