In April 1945, Ted Fritsch tried out for a spot with the Toledo Mud Hens baseball team, a farm team for the St. Louis Browns in the American Association; but that summer, he was back playing with Bowman’s Dairy in the Madison Industrial League.
“Ted Fritsch is a good base runner; he can slide into those bags pretty when he wants to,” the Wisconsin State Journal stated.
Back with the Packers that fall, Fritsch was reportedly afflicted with an “internal condition,” but powered through.
The ailment — reported by some as an attack of appendicitis — landed him in the Mayo Clinic following the 1945 season.
Struggling through pain, Fritsch still landed first in rushing, second in scoring and first in kickoff returns for the 1945 Packers team.
Fritsch also made the United Press All-Pro Team in the backfield that season.
“Fritsch packs more bruising power in his stride than any man in the National League. Fritsch also is an expert field goal kicker…,” the Kenosha News stated.
Fritsch had signed on for another season with the All Stars that winter before going into surgery on Jan. 5.
“It was Ted’s love for sideplay and comedy that endeared him to every person who saw or read about him,” The Oshkosh Northwestern stated. “As for that cage ability, there were several occasions last season when Ted was credited materially with saving games. His ability to hold the ball in a stall proved itself several times. He is an accomplished ball hog and expert dribbler, an asset to the team.
“Unofficially, Ted took over the job as trainer. He babied and soothed the troubled players of last season, and kept the morale of the team high.”
But the fans weren’t able to see one of their favorites in action that season, as Fritsch continued to recuperate from the January surgery.
Meanwhile, trouble was brewing for the National Football League.
The All-America Football Conference (AAFC) — founded in 1944 by Chicago Tribune Sports Editor Arch Ward — was gaining momentum.
The new professional league was set to challenge the market dominance of the National Football League.
The AAFC teams were beginning to raid the NFL’s rosters, and one of the athletes they had their eyes on was a newly mended Packers player.
To be continued
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