Mickey Rocco, who spent his entire Major League career with the Indians and the bulk of that during World War II, is born in St. Paul, Minnesota.

He had been in the minors since 1935 when he made his debut with Cleveland in 1943. He played in 108 games and hit .240 with five home runs and 46 RBI. His next season was his best season, as he led the league in games played and at bats at the age of 28. He hit .266 with 13 home runs and 70 RBI, all of which were career bests.

His 1945 campaign mirrored the prior one, as he hit .264 with ten homers and 56 runs batted in. But the next season, after playing extensively in May, his use dwindled and he was traded to the Chicago Cubs for another first baseman, Heinz Becker. Rocco would toil in the minors into the 1952 season before ending his professional career.