Happy Fourth of July

A number of former Orioles have spent time in the military, and I'd like to thank them, as well as all servicemen & women for serving our country!

For today's post, Jim Brideweser is representing all of the Orioles' who have served. I couldn't find which branch Jim served in, but multiple sites list how he spent time in the military during World War II.

He played in parts of seven MLB seasons between 1951-57 and played two stints for the Orioles, in 1954 & '57. The Orioles Encyclopedia shares an interesting story about Jim's habit of smashing batting helmets after bad at-bats during his time in AAA. He destroyed so many helmets that the manager had to start charging Jim for them, which effectively ended his helmet bashing ways.

After Jim's playing career ended, he became a high school math teacher in California. I just hope that no students made him angry!

He passed away in 1989 from respiratory failure, he was 62. RIP Jim; Thanks to you and everyone who has served for keeping our country free!