Bob Feller returned to a Major League mound for the first time since 1941 and, judging by the results, it looked as though he never left as the 26-year-old allows just two runs on four hits with 12 strikeouts in a complete game victory over the Detroit Tigers.

“Rapid Robert” had not pitched in a Major League game since winning his 25th game of the 1941 season on September 26th. He missed all of the 1942-1944 seasons and nearly all of the 1945 campaign while serving in the United States Navy.

Feller was aided by his offense in the first inning, as Pat Seerey’s 13th home run of the season gave the Indians a 2-0 lead. The first place Tigers scored a pair in the third as second baseman Red Borom singled home catcher Paul Richards, who had reached on a double, and Doc Cramer knocked in Jimmy Outlaw after he drew one of the five walks issued by Feller on the day.

Feller struck out each of the Tigers’ starters at least one time with the exception of Richards. He outdueled 24-year-old Hal Newhouser, who was already a 20-game winner for the first time in his career while making his third consecutive All-Star team for the Tigers. Newhouser will go on to win 25 games and will be named the league’s Most Valuable Player at season’s end for the second consecutive year.