WASHINGTON — George Brett has had a great week, and it isn’t even over. The Hall of Famer, former Kansas City Royal and current Vice President of Baseball Operations of the team, witnessed the franchise’s first World Series Championship in 30 years, the last being in 1985 when Brett helped the team win its first-ever title.
Brett’s week would get even better, as he was at the victory parade the city put together on Tuesday, with more than half a million fans in attendance.
And on Wednesday night, Brett was honored with the 2015 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award.
The foundation recognized six recipients at the Navy Memorial in D.C.: a Baseball Hall of Famer, Brett; one current pro player, the Brewers’ Jonathan Lucroy; one U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, Genell Cody; and Staff Sergeant Rene Segura, who was named the recipient of the new Jerry Coleman Award, which honors a Marine Noncommissioned Officer. The USS Carl Vinson’s Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) Chapter and HOPPER Information Services Center’s CSADD Chapter were also honored.
“Wow, what an honor,” said Brett, who was not able to attend in person due to team commitments. “I am constantly amazed at the work servicemen and women do for our country. To be recognized in the name of Bob Feller and to have the honor in getting to know some outstanding members of the Navy is truly special.”
Brett supports men and women who serve our country, visiting current military members, and has shown support for veterans throughout Missouri and Kansas.
The award first honored the late Hall of Famer Yogi Berra and current Tiger pitcher Justin Verlander in 2013. It reflects the legacy of Bob Feller, the Hall of Fame pitcher, who made the selfless decision to enlist shortly after Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941, missing three prime seasons of his career. Feller, when asked what was his most important victory, famously and without hesitation, replied, “World War II.”
Peter Fertig, who created the award, explains the foundations mission:
“Bob Feller led his generation onto the field of battle and away from the baseball diamond for a more significant reason. The legacy of Feller and the greatest generation are embodied throughout these players and their respective clubs for honoring those who serve this great nation, and for this we are forever grateful.” Continued Fertig, “As the Foundation moves forward with its educational mission, we look forward to setting a new standard for social responsibility, by educating the youngest generation of the virtues of Citizenship, Service, Sacrifice and Legacy. And through these efforts, we can provide a powerful example that will inspire and excite today’s generation, and acknowledge the heroes of past and present generations.”
Finalists included the Nationals’ Craig Stammen, the Orioles’ Darren O’Day and the Chicago White Sox’s Adam LaRoche, who previously played for Washington.
