The Cleveland Indians organization has teamed up with the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation to petition the White House to honor the late Feller, who is best known for putting his stellar baseball career on hold to serve in World War II before returning to the game and becoming one of the most renowned pitchers of all time.
Former Navy Chief Petty Officer and Major League Baseball hall-of-famer Bob Feller, a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, already has an award named after him. Now, and now, his former Major League Baseball club is putting him up for the United States' highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
"In addition to the incredible and lasting impact Bob made on the Indians organization, we think his meritorious contribution to the security and national interests of the United States makes him worthy of consideration for the Presidential Medal of Freedom," said Indians Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Bob DiBiasio in the release.
Feller enlisted days after the Pearl Harbor attacks in 1941, served aboard the battleship Alabama and advanced to chief. In 1945, he re-signed with the Indians to continue a storied career that ended in 1956.
His legacy inspired the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation, which held its first award ceremony in 2013, honoring a chief, an active baseball player and a Hall of Famer for their contributions to service members.
In 2015, the award program expanded to include a senior enlisted Marine, as well as one ashore and one afloat command for peer-to-peer mentoring programs.
A Presidential Medal of Freedom fits perfectly with the foundation's message, founder Peter Fertig told Navy Times.
"We want to get the word out about what a great player and person he was, and we think this is another way to honor his legacy," he said.
Feller would not be the first baseball player to receive the award, given in recognition of contributions to the national interest, world peace or culture. Previous baseball honorees include Yogi Berra and Willie Mays, who was honored last year, as well as Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Joe DiMaggio and Jackie Robinson.
The Indians' petition on whitehouse.gov needs 100,000 signatures within 30 days to get an official response from the White House.
Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members.
