Hero (Five Minute Friday)

A special Five Minute Friday this week - where I write for longer than 5 minutes (breaking rule #1) and I do edit the post (breaking rule #2) but I will definitely be leaving love on the pages of the other writers (because we never break rule #3. Link up, and read over here. Community is where it's at!)

I had a post all prepared (in my mind - clearly I didn't write it yet) for this week's prompt. Hero. But something needled at me to wait - to write later in the week even though I had time to do it on Friday, and on Saturday. Why? Why was I waiting? I didn't know. Until today. The prompt this week? 

Hero.

I am a baseball lover. And I enjoy sharing my love of baseball with my family - especially my kids - and my friends. Lots of folks use common interests to share ideas, to meet new people, and to spread a message. Baseball allows me to do a lot of that with a lot of fascinating people - some who I've met in person, some who I hope to meet someday in a real life setting (twitter is great - but sharing a game together is better), and some who I will never cross paths with outside the internet.

This week I have the opportunity to link my Five Minute Party friends with my favorite pastime. And in a way that allows me to spread the word a little bit farther about a real life hero. (or two. or three).

I am honored, and humbled, to announce that I've been asked to serve as a member of the advisory board for the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award. Bob Feller pitched for the Cleveland Indians. As a pro ball player, that would automatically make him a hero in the eyes of kids across the country. But just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the US Navy. His love of country superseded his career, and his love of the game.  That makes him a hero in my eyes.

When asked what the most important game he ever won was, Feller replied, “World War II.”

The Bob Feller award honors a current ball player, a Hall of Fame Player, and a Navy Chief Petty Officer, each whom "reflect the values, integrity and dedication to serving our country that Bob Feller himself possessed."

Both of my grandfathers served in World War II. My dad is a US Navy Submarine Service Veteran. I am delighted to have an opportunity to share my love of country, and my love of baseball, in a way that honors our true heroes. The men and women who serve bravely every day - to allow us the freedom to enjoy baseball, writing, our families, and our daily lives without fear.

Justin Verlander with my girls and me

The Inaugural Awards were given in November 2013 at the Navy Memorial in Washington, DC. I was privileged to attend, with my daughters in tow. We were able to meet Justin Verlander, pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, who was the first active player recipient of the award, as well as Chief Petty Officer Garth Sinclair, the first recipient from the Navy. 

This year, I'll be a part of the team making the awards happen. Carrying the tradition forward and making it stronger. Sharing our heroes with each of you. 

Here's a summary of last year's event. (with pictures!) 


For more information about the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award, read here.

And here is the link to Major League Baseball's coverage.