Bruce named a finalist for Feller Act of Valor award
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce was named a finalist for the 2015 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award. It is the second time Bruce has been nominated for the award.
The award honors a current MLB player who possess the values, integrity and dedication to serving their country that Bob Feller himself displayed. Feller was one of the first athletes to enlist in the army after the attack on Pearl Harbor on 1941.
Bruce was nominated because of his 'Bruce's Battalion' community service project, a way to show his appreciation for the men and women of the armed forces. The program gives Reds' tickets to current and former military and their families. Bruce also provides custom made military style Reds' caps, refreshments and a chance to meet with the families who attend and recognition on the Jumbotron to current and former members of the military and their families.
Bruce also helps sponsor the 'Bruce's Buddies' program which offers people with developmental disabilities the chance to attend a Reds game.
Previous winner of the Act of Valor Award include Justin Verlander, Nick Swisher, Yogi Berra and Tommy Lasorda. Finalists for the active player award will be announced later this season and the winners in all four categories will be honored in a Veterans Day ceremony in Washington, DC at the United States Navy Memorial.
Reds Hall of Famer Johnny Bench was also nominated for the award in the Hall of Famer category.
