Bert Shepard, born in 1920, was a former professional baseball player and Air Force pilot.[1] Before the outbreak of World War II Shepard was a left handed pitcher and first basemen. Shepard’s talent as a baseball player was proficient enough to land him in some minor leagues, such as Wisconsin State, Evangeline, and California State. In fact, the Chicago White Sox had even signed Shepard. Stating that he didn’t make as much money playing baseball than playing pool, his passion for the game was what made him happy.
Despite his promising baseball career, Shepard found himself becoming a pilot in the US Army Air Forces.[2]
On May 21, 1944, Shepard was shot down near Ludwigslust, Germany while piloting a P-38 aircraft fighter. After being shot down Shepard was captured by German forces and held as a prisoner of war for eight months. [3] Although he had survived, Shepard unfortunately had his right leg amputated below the knee. [4] Interestingly, Shepard’s first prosthetic was constructed during his captivity by a fellow prisoner of war named Dr. Don Erry.[5]
After being released from the German camp Shepard attempted to resume his pitching career. Despite his injury Shepard made it to the major leagues and was signed to pitch for the Washington Senators.[6] Shepard’s career in Major League Baseball was short lived. On August 4, 1945 Shepard pitched his first and only major league game. During this game Shepard pitched for five and one-third innings and only allowed three hits and one run.[7] Being a left-handed pitcher and hitter, Shepard commented once that “the right leg was the ideal one to lose.”[8]
After being released by the Senators, Shepard relocated to California and played for several minor leagues. [9] By the 1960s Bert Shepard retired from baseball entirely and began participating in amputee golfing.[10]


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[1] Chris Dufresne,"Shot Down in the Prime of Life," Los Angeles Times, October 06, 1995.
[2] Bus Ham, "Artificial-Legged Ex-P-38 Pilot Tries Out with Nats," Los Angeles Times, March 14, 1945.
[3] Chris Dufresne,"Shot Down in the Prime of Life," Los Angeles Times, October 06, 1995.
[4] Bus Ham, "Artificial-Legged Ex-P-38 Pilot Tries Out with Nats," Los Angeles Times, March 14, 1945.
[5] Chris Dufresne,"Shot Down in the Prime of Life," Los Angeles Times, October 06, 1995.
[6] "One-legged pilot signed by Nats," Los Angeles Times, March 30, 1945
[7] "Wham! here's One for Congressional Record," 1945.Los Angeles Times, August 05, 1945.
[8] Chris Dufresne, “Shot Down in the Prime of Life,” Los Angeles Times, October 6, 1995.
[9] “Shepard believes he has place in baseball,” Los Angeles Times, June 17, 1956.
[10] “Bert Shepard Leads Amputee Golf Event," Los Angeles Times, July 01, 1966

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