MLB's Joe Torre receives Legion ‘Good Guy’ Award
Good Guy Award recipient Joe Torre and National Commander Michael D. Helm. (Photo by Don Suchy)

MLB's Joe Torre receives Legion ‘Good Guy’ Award

Praised for his work to prevent domestic violence, former New York Yankees manager and current Major League Baseball Vice President Joe Torre was presented The American Legion’s James V. Day “Good Guy” Award during the organization’s 97th annual national convention on Aug. 31.

“Joe Torre is so much more than a great manager and ballplayer,” American Legion National Commander Michael D. Helm said. “His establishment of the Safe at Home Foundation demonstrates the compassion and class that fans and his players always loved about him. By educating the public that violence against children is never acceptable, Joe Torre has not only improved countless lives, he has likely saved some as well. He is an outstanding selection for the 2015 Good Guy Award.”

Torre seemed especially moved by a group of wounded warriors who were brought to the luncheon from Walter Reed Hospital as guests of The American Legion Operation Comfort Warriors program.

“These young men and women are our future and the sacrifices that they give of themselves are because of teamwork,” Torre said. “Make that trip to Walter Reed Hospital, where so many of them are beat up and losing limbs, and all they’re wanting to do is to get back to where they came from because somebody needs them. God bless all of you in this room. I’m very proud and privileged to have been given this Good Guy Award from a very special group, The American Legion. Thank you so much.”

Torre was the 1971 National League Most Valuable Player and later won four World Series as manager of the New York Yankees. An Air National Guard veteran, Torre played American Legion Baseball and was inducted into the Major League Hall of Fame in 2014.

The James V. Day Good Guy Award is named after a World War II veteran and prominent Legionnaire. Recent recipients include former boxing great George Foreman, NASCAR legend Richard Petty, performer Dolly Parton, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and former NBA star David Robinson.


American Legion Baseball

American Legion Baseball

American Legion Baseball enjoys a reputation as one of the most successful and tradition-rich amateur athletic leagues. Today, the program registers more than 5,400 teams in all 50 states, including Canada and Puerto Rico.

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