Former Yankees star receives Legion’s ‘Good Guy’ Award

New York Yankees’ All-Star second baseman Bobby Richardson was presented The American Legion’s James V. Day “Good Guy” Award for 2023 during the organization’s 104th Annual National Convention in Charlotte this week.

“Throughout his playing career, Bobby was an exemplary role model and that has continued through the many years since he played his last inning in the majors,” American Legion National Commander Vincent J. ‘Jim’ Troiola said. “From his involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to his success as a college baseball coach, we are proud that Bobby Richardson is an alumnus of American Legion Baseball. He won world championships as a player, but most importantly he is an All-Star person. We were proud to honor him with this award.”

“It’s an honor, especially since I appreciate so much all of those who served this country (and) the folks that have lost their lives so that we could have peace in our country,” Richardson said. “Those that were injured and have come back, missing legs and arms. I’ve learned that these Legionnaires not only love baseball, but they have done so much for this country. So, I am honored to have been so honored by them.”

The James V. Day Good Guy Award is named after a World War II veteran and prominent Legionnaire. Recent recipients include NASCAR legend Richard Petty, performer Dolly Parton, former MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and MLB Hall of Famer Joe Torre. It is presented by The American Legion Past Department Commander’s Club, a group composed of past and current state and regional commanders of The American Legion.