Johnny Bench is given The American Legion Good Guy award during the Past Department Commanders Club luncheon as a part of the 98th annual American Legion National Convention held in Cincinnati on Monday, August 29, 2016. Photo by Lucas Carter / The American Legion.

MLB Hall of Famer Johnny Bench receives Legion ‘Good Guy’ Award

Praised for his support for U.S. military veterans and his scholarships to students with financial need, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench was presented The American Legion’s James V. Day “Good Guy” Award during the organization’s 98th annual national convention Monday.

“Johnny Bench is not just one of baseball’s all-time greats, but he is a staunch supporter of our troops,” said American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett. “He accompanied Bob Hope on entertainment tours in Vietnam and in the Middle East during the Gulf War. He still contributes his time and efforts to fundraisers that support veterans. His scholarships are meant to provide young people with opportunities that they might not otherwise have. He is an outstanding selection for the 2016 Good Guy Award.”

“It only took 98 years for The American Legion to find me,” Bench joked. “But I played American Legion Baseball, I know the great work that you do for veterans and your reputation for it is well-deserved.”

Bench was a two-time world champion with the Cincinnati Reds, a 14-time All-Star and two-time National League Most Valuable Player. He is widely regarded as the greatest catcher in Major League Baseball history.

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, former MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and MLB Hall of Famer Joe Torre.