A World Series Ring, a Purple Heart, and a Perfect Lifetime Batting Average | Roy Gleason

Roy Gleason's love of baseball began in the quiet suburbs outside of Chicago watching Cub's games with his grandfather. In the 1950s Gleason's family moved across country to California where Roy quickly became a standout on his high school baseball team, attracting the attention of Major League scouts. Following his graduation from high school, the newly located Los Angeles Dodgers offered Roy a contract.
In 1963, after spending time in the minors, Roy got called up to play in the majors. On September 28, 1963 Roy Gleason got the opportunity he had waited his whole life for, his first major league at bat. he hit a double down the left-field line and eventually scored a run. The Dodgers would ultimately go on to win the 1963 World Series, earning Gleason a ring.
In 1967, Roy Gleason was drafted into the United States Army and would serve in Vietnam in the 9th Infantry Division. While serving as point man on a patrol his platoon was hit by an explosive boobytrap instantly killing some, and wounding Gleason.
After his return from Vietnam, he again played in the Dodgers' farm system, but due to injuries which impaired his baseball skills, he never made it back to the major leagues. Always keeping a positive attitude in life Gleason, became a successful car salesman and raised two sons.
Interview recorded on September 6, 2023.
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[@Classicrocker6119]

What an amazing story about baseball and the efforts of a Vietnam vet who was reunited with his missing World Series ring. I’m in tears as I write this from a 62 year old guy from Canada. 🇨🇦 I want to personally thank Sgt. Gleason for his service. I’m a huge baseball fan but I also have a huge respect and appreciation for all soldiers. This is especially the case for those who fought in Vietnam and were disrespected upon their return to the US.

[@riptheripper9060]

I'm sure he feels blessed (and maybe some guilt) to have survived Vietnam. What a great life, playing in the major leagues, serving his country and becoming a great father and family man. Thank you sir😇

[@cbroz7492]

..they don't make men like him anymore...

[@multitieredinvestor183]

A fine story and an interesting life. I attended basic training twice, Airborne School, Infantry AIT and Infantry OCS, but was commissioned Signal. Did combat in the Dominican Republic and Vietnam twice. Never scratched. Retired after 22 years and raised a family have grand children and great grandchildren. A great wife and a happy life. I am 85 and it ain’t over yet.

[@gar9429]

What a story. A true hero. I know how he feels about the treatment we got when we got home. Last week I received a medallion from the VA after 59 years and it said welcome home. It felt like receiving a million dollar check!! I didn't mean to take away from Roy's gallantry as he is a hero too me. Thanks for listening.

[@bjohnson515]

Ted Williams.......fighter pilot TWICE ...in WWII and Korea. What MLB player would do such a thing today? Ted interrupted his career to serve the country.....and still had a stellar career. This would be a great movie. No one of the younger generation would believe it

[@rodbutler4054]

Ted Williams was also astronaut John Glenn’s wingman as a marine aviator flying off an aircraft carrier to Korea.

[@cesarthegreeneyedbandit7162]

As a life long Dodger fan, I'm ashamed to admit of not knowing of this great man. Roy Gleason is a real American hero. Much respect to you sir. God bless. 🇺🇲

[@luigivincenz3843]

same here. Dodgers fan since the late 80's. What a life. How many Americans have a Purple Heart AND a World Series ring? A true Man, down to the core. Thank you Sgt. Gleason.

[@aj_jk1337]

Vin Scully was THE MAN. THE VOICE of Dodger Baseball. An honor to be recognized by him.

[@smsmoof8128]

Tip of the Cap to ya Roy ... a True sacrifice. You lived the Field of Dreams and lived the Killing Fields of Screams. what a story, a living legend.

[@orbyfan]

The Dodgers' organization had considerably more class as recently as 2003 than it does now.

[@jackstevens585]

We as a the greatest country in the world need more great Men, like Sgt. Gleason. His courage, bravery and sacrifice are remarkable. On behalf of my family, thank You for your service 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@patdriver5696]

I love US Vets. Thank you for sharing your story. My father was WW2, but never shared it.

[@francispeltonen3772]

God bless you sir. You should have received a Bronze star for pulling those two soldiers to safety under fire. You are what they call a man. We don't have too many of them in our society today.❤

[@richardthornhill4630]

Very Good story. Thanks of all our Veterans who served.

[@charlesmiddleton3247]

Thank you my Veteran brother for your service and caring for your family. I also lived for the game of baseball as a kid and played Varsity Baseball in High School. Went to Tiger Stadium many times and got autographs that I still have. I was scouted by the Kansas City Royals as a few other of my teammates. I was not home at the time a scout came to our house as my Narcissistic brother never gave me the message that someone was coming to see me then told the scout I was with my girlfriend. Anyway, I served in the Marine Corps in Helicopters during the Vietnam Era. Lost a good High School friend over there on September 16, 1970 named L/Cpl William Franklin. You are my Hero for all you've done! Welcome Home! From a Vietnam Era Marine Corps veteran. Thank you for this wonderful interview.

[@richardharp4398]

I loved every second of this story. What an incredibly humble man. Thank you Roy for your service to this country. Especially when you did not choose it, but it chose you.

[@davidcreager1945]

He's lived an amazing life !! A natural athelete and soldier. Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

[@42apostate]

Great and inspiring story, Roy.... from a fellow Vietnam Vet. AND baseball pitcher.

[@jwslks]

Thank you sir for your service to our Republic and so glad you had a good career as a professional baseball player.

[@55Reever]

Met Roy Gleason when he played for the Bakersfield Dodgers when I was about ten. Bakersfield was playing Lodi at Harry Renfree Field in a one-off game in Sacramento.

[@rickhicks302]

I met so many players as a season ticket holder at Sam Lynn in Bako. Including 4 ROYs (Karros, Piazza, Mondesi and (Hollandsworth)

[@brianrajala7671]

Great story, he gave a lot ... more than most!

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you for your courage, sacrifice and to answer the call to serve ❤🇺🇸God Bless you and your family ❤

[@roberthudson1959]

Thank you to Mr. Gleason for his service. Stories like his were not unusual in the WW2 era. HOF pitcher Warren Spahn was cut from the Braves because he had "no guts." After enlisting, Spahn returned from the Army with a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and a battlefield commission. Of course, these stories became less common after the draft ended.

[@luigivincenz3843]

One of my teachers in HS, we later learned at his funeral years later, that he was scouted (and signed) from the Yankees affiliate I think from RI. Supposedly, the Yankees honored the order from the Draft board, and didnt even ask for the money back. His minors batting was I think, .292. He couldn't play after a tour due to PTSD, and went straight to medical school.

[@scottyg2544]

Welcome home sir! You deserve that and all the Vietnam Vets deserve it. We love you for what you did!

[@petercarmeci8317]

What a story. A true hero!

[@saveriosalemme5366]

What a story! God Bless him and all veterans who gave everything for our country.

[@roderoda1758]

Thank you for your service, Mr. Gleason.

[@davidlampe4153]

A beautiful story. Brought a tear to my eyes, you served with honor and were rewarded by your team on your return. Bittersweet knowing that you would never play ball again but getting support and recognition for your service, a wonderful ending.

[@ronaldwarren5220]

May God bless you sir. Welcome home from a fellow Vietnam vet. I am from Michigan and married a girl from Southgate, California (suburb of LA). She was a huge Dodger fan and would listen to their games on her little transistor radio that she bought with her babysitting money. We live in Arizona now and were torn between the Dodgers and the Diamondbacks when they played in the post season. There is a good chance she listened to the games you played in.

[@drj.r.cooper2493]

Welcome home brother. Hooyah from an old squid.

[@nedawilmhoff3599]

Bless you always for what you have given both in the army and as a citizen of our great country.

[@mike-fe9wj]

As Hack would say, "You're either a stud or a dud." This man is a stud!

[@Hawaiian80882]

thank you for your service and sacrifice...God Bless You Sir!

[@blakemelnick2573]

It sounds like he wouldve been a HOFer if he wasn’t drafted. Thank you for your service.

[@d.mangham5204]

Articulate, heartfelt interview and a gripping personal story. He mentions Dong Tam several times, which means 9th ID way down in the Mekong Delta. My brother was in 3rd MarDiv at the other end of Vietnam on the DMZ, apparently about the same time (1967-68).

[@PlayerToBeNamedLater1973]

' articulate ' 😂

[@keithrissolo7437]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO US SOLDIER....It is people like you that made me proud to wear our US Army's uniform.....

[@lyleblack194]

Thank you for sharing your story of service, valor, and sacrifice.

[@1949LA-ARCH]

Welcome home brother ! I am a disabled Vietnam vet 1969-70. My father was a pro hockey player with the AHL Pittsburg Hornets 1939-40, plus 1940-41. He was 22 years old, drafted in May 1941 Army before Pearl Harbor. Lost 4 years due to WWII. He never talked about it.

[@richardroberts8564]

Thank you Mr. Gleason for your service. You are a true hero.

[@theworldwariioldtimeradioc8676]

Thank you Mr. Gleason. My Dad was a Vietnam War veteran. You guys gave so much.

[@14goldmedals]

Another great American, and a great video capturing his story for posterity. Easy to guess the goto man in the squad for accurate grenade tosses.

[@Sgt-xw5lx]

This Combat Vet has leaking eyes.. There were so many Vietnam Vets that showed up at airports to Welcome US home from Desert Storm..They wanted Us to be treated better than they were coming home..HOOAH Sir,Thank you for your Service,Brother

[@russhoffman6301]

Welcome Home Roy Gleason....and thank you to the Dodger organization for honoring Roy the way they did.

[@rangerdave9255]

God bless you Sir. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

[@dbuckley6586]

Absolutely beautiful God bless you

[@delprice3007]

It was a privilege to hear this, thank you!

[@ronalddesiderio7625]

A man’s man. Humble and never quits . God Bless him 🙏🏼

[@davidmurray9844]

Thank you for your service and your sacrifices. God Bless You Sir.

[@johndilday1846]

Very touching story. Thanks for your service and sacrifices.

[@mpojr]

l served there to ,,,God Bless you soldier thanks for your service,,

[@PlayerToBeNamedLater1973]

Wow . To go from a young man's dream to a young man's nightmare in a couple months had to hard to swallow

[@peacemaker0032]

Great Story! I can relate, but being younger they abolished the draft Jan 1 1974. My dad (a world War ll vet talked me out of enlisting in 1974)...I only trained for college ball and wanted to serve. It was good to hear about a big time athlete and his great service to an ungrateful country...just think, those ppl are ruling this country now! When this great veteran fought for their freedom to diss him. I applaud you Mr. Gleason for your 1.000 lifetime batting average. And thank you from a greatful heart. Me, my family, and as many as I can get to stand for your accomplishments. God Bless

[@elrobo3568]

From another VN vet, welcome home brother!

[@sevysnape]

Wow what a truly great story! Thank you sir.

[@carlosgarza1962]

What an awesome story, a true hero

[@walterbsprinks]

Well I grew up a Giants fan but I’m so happy Sgt Roy Gleason made home! God Bless him and like my 4 brother.s who served they left sports to fight for our country one even had bone spurs and he won the Silver Star a bronze star and the purple heart. Well done Sgt Gleason.

[@ronalddesiderio7625]

I’m in tears 😢

[@richardbailey9938]

Thanks Andy. You can tell the real deal by the detail in his story.😊

[@ronalddesiderio7625]

A point man’s life expectancy was not a long one . Inspiring ❤

[@allanm8597]

Truly a great man.

[@kevinshorter5861]

Thanks for your peace too 🇺🇸

[@michaelcasey5155]

Thank you sir.

[@humbleguy4726]

Hi from the U.K. I know very little about baseball but seems to me Roy had what it takes to be a great ball player. Then just as he gets started he is ordered out to Vietnam where he and his service colleagues fought for all our freedoms including mine. It seems to my way of thinking that Roy is a genuine hero. Now i wonder what happened after Vietnam to Roy. What i mean is what work did the great man do and how did he adjust to life after Vietnam.

[@lesbarton8510]

I remember as a kid from Pico Rivera, going over to Montebello watching those American Legion games.....great times!

[@skiphyatt3034]

Awesome interview Thank you For your service. Its a shame that are vets are killing themselves . Something is wrong with the way we treat them God Bless you

[@wayneparker461]

I knew Dennis Bennett. He and his wife owned a carpet store in Klamath Falls Oregon. I contracted with them to install floor covering. They made me feel like part of the family.

[@67Stu]

OMG 🥲I’m on the verge of tears. What an amazing story and more amazing man. How did they find his ring❓

[@Jason_903]

Love all those veterans 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@-.Steven]

Amazing! What a sacrifice! Leaving the Major Leagues to stomp around in rice paddies in Vietnam. Thank You Sir!

[@ericgibson2079]

Yea, sacrafice. Tell that to all the dead kids our Colonels had in those front pits, getting overrun. Some Cowboys. We were all wrong, the wrong mentality. And it's killing us...That's It.

[@j1st633]

What a story.

[@dennisdowd7930]

Great story

[@robertbranco1126]

A real hero

[@michaelanderson9076]

Thank you for your service ❤, Are you related to Jackie Gleason?

[@jimpatino-ye8qs]

Welcome home!🇺🇸

[@michaelfitzgerald434]

Wow! Unbelievable!

[@davidbrennan3613]

God bless him

[@phillipjones3342]

Hallelujah and amen welcome home sir

[@c5back9]

Slow hand salute!

[@swampfizz]

1st off thank you Mr. Gleason...I wonder if the WS ring was a replica of his original or they somehow found the original? if not that ring could be in someones possesion being brought back from Vietnam by another soldier who somehow got ahold of it??

[@MrJoeFlorida]

Cool, it is awesome he got to play in the MLB. Pro baseball would not give me the time of day.

[@ronalddesiderio7625]

This is Medal Of Honor stuff. Wtf ! I got up through a guy over my shoulder. Than go grab a 2nd man. I’m barely breathing. 💪🏽 Wow !❤

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

True American hero, what. This man sacrificed to serve his country.

[@OpinionatedPeach]

Wow

[@williamwilson9283]

👍❤

[@mikeriv60]

👍 👍 👍

[@pmccoy8924]

My great grandfather was playing professional football when his country called he enlisted to fight in WW1. Maj. Milton C. Portmann. Don’t make them like these men anymore.

[@erikroelinkcitizen2302]

34 euro's for al that is cheap. In the Netherlands it wil cost 12000yen 😢😢

[@michaeljohn29]

HalleluYah Brother

[@freezegopher7054]

How could you do that. Drag your family across the country and then abandon them. Pathetic. Good on you sir for stepping up and being a man.

[@ericgibson2079]

Man, see how lame war is folks. He says, " I Love Baseball". Was one of the small few in the nation to get to be pro. I mean, the dream. And look what our lame politicians go and do. Its not just them to blame. To not vote, to not be more active, responsible citizens to be our lead. This is the bigger failure. Were turning it all around!

[@Time2Vote2012]

What a wonderful story! I'm now a Dodgers fan.

[@gordo46]

Good story, thanks for your service and welcome home

[@anlerden4851]

Thank you so much for your service and lovely dedications to Our Beautiful USA Dear American Sir.🤗🥰🥰🙏❤🤍💙🇺🇲💪🏻👍🎊🎉🔥

[@beardedboon]

No one takes you seriously

[@stretchstretch9112]

Wow