Milo May “Max” Marshall

Milo May “Max” Marshall (1913-1993) toiled in the minor leagues for years prior to becoming the regular right fielder for the Cincinnati Reds for three consecutive seasons. His big break was World War II. With the Major League rosters depleted of their regular players, Marshall suited up for the Reds from 1942-44. His career ended after the 1944 season at the apparent request of Uncle Sam, as Marshall served in the U.S. Navy towards the end of the war. Even though he didn’t hit a lot of home runs, a preview article in the local newspaper stated that he was the “Red’s best for distance hitting” in 1944. At a time in baseball when stolen bases were at a premium, Marshall finished in the top ten in the National League in 1943 with eight thefts. His career batting average in 329 games was .245 with 15 home runs and 105 RBIs. He grew up in Southwest Iowa, but there is a dispute as to his birth location. Baseball Reference has his birthplace as Randolph, Iowa, while the Baseball Encyclopedia lists Shenandoah as his rightful birthplace.