Tommy Lasorda Awarded Bob Feller Act of Valor

Lost in the shuffle of the Dodger’s agonizing Division Series playoff exit is our site namesake Tommy Lasorda winning the Bob Feller act of valor award. Lasorda is one of three recipients who won the award on Wednesday. Lasorda won the award on the day after the Dodgers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Cardinals.

The award was established in 2013 and is awarded to three men who possess the values, integrity, and dedication for serving in the United States military. Bob Feller, former MLB hall of fame pitcher served in the US military, and also in World War II.

Author Peter Fertig created the Bob Feller Act of Valor award with the support of the US Navy, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial, the Indians, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and Mrs. Anne Feller. The annual award honors one member of baseball’s Hall of Fame, one current Major League player and a U.S. Navy Petty Officer.

Tommy joins Indian’s first baseman Nick Swisher, and senior chief petty naval officer Carl Thompson as award winners.

Tommy served in the US Army from 1945-1947. Tommy has visited more than 40 US military installations and has sworn in over 1500 new US troops.

"“All I was wanting to do was to tell them how much I appreciate what they’re doing for me and for our country,” “When they put that uniform on, it’s the uniform of the greatest country in the world, the land of opportunity.” Tommy said."

Bob Feller made his MLB debut in 1936 and pitched in the majors until his retirement in 1956. Fellar won 266 games in the major leagues, and also served four years in World War II. Feller was inducted into the hall of fame in 1962, in his first year of eligibility. The hall of fame hurler passed away in 2010 at the age of 92.

Tommy served as Dodger’s manager from 1977-1996 while winning four National League pennants, and two World Series championships, and is currently the oldest tenured Dodger in the organization.

Congratulations Tommy!