Dodgers: Justin Turner Nominated for Bob Feller Act of Valor Award
Bob Feller was one of the best pitchers in baseball history, posting a 266-162 record with a 3.25 ERA for Cleveland in his 18-season career.
We have to say “18-season career” instead of “18-year career,” because it took 21 years for Feller to play his 18 seasons. That’s because in late 1941, after the bombing at Pearl Harbor pulled the United States into World War II, Feller became the first American professional athlete to voluntarily enlist in the military when he joined the Navy to fight in the war.
At the time, Feller’s father was in failing health; he would die just over a year later, as Feller was just about to head into combat. Feller’s combat duty ended in early 1945, but he stayed on as an instructor at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station until the war was over. Then, and only then, did he return to pitching in Cleveland.
And he picked up right where he left off. After winning 76 games in the three seasons leading up to his military service — leading the league in wins each year — Feller led the league in wins in each of his first two full seasons after returning. Overall, from 1939-47, Feller went 127-62 with a 2.68 ERA while missing almost four full seasons in his prime to serve his country.
Today, the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation exists “to recognize and honor our service members and those who support them; to provide support to military families and veteran causes; and to educate on the lessons of citizenship, sacrifice, and service to one’s country.” Each year since 2013, one MLB player is awarded with the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award at its annual award ceremony.
“Every year the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation highlights the acts of character and dedication that showcase those in the Navy and Marine Corp along with Major League Baseball.” — https://www.actofvaloraward.org/events
This year, a familiar face has been nominated for the award:
Honored to nominated for the #BobFellerActofValorAward Thank you to all the men and women who have and currently serve our country! You are the true #Heroes ?? pic.twitter.com/JpU031gVaB
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) September 26, 2022
Justin Turner’s commitment to the men and women who serve the United States of America in the military is firm and deep. Through the Justin Turner Foundation, he and his wife, Kourtney, serve military veterans who have fallen on hard times, and JT is always there to thank the Military Hero of the Game at Dodger Stadium each home game.
Congratulations to Justin Turner on the honor of being nominated for such a prestigious and important award!
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