Yallaly receives spirit award

There might not be anything more American than baseball, but it wasn't just his commitment to the game and coaching youth sports that earned John "Doc" Yallaly special recognition as an American hero.

It was his patriotism and commitment to helping people in the community that made Yallaly stand out as one of many nominees for the first Spirit of America Award.

Yallaly, 71, received the honor from Mayor Jay Knudtson during Libertyfest activities Friday in downtown Cape Girardeau. The award is given by the Southeast Missourian to the person who best represents what America stands for.

Yallaly was greeted with applause during the presentation.

He is well known for his work with the Cape Girardeau American Legion baseball program. He retired as manager of the baseball team in 1996 but still serves as a hitting instructor.

But that's only a portion of his service.

He served in the Korean War. He also has logged more than 1,100 volunteer hours at the Missouri Veterans Home.

He also serves on the board of directors for VIP Industries and has been a commander for American Legion Post 63.

"This has been unbelievable," he said. "You'd have thought I'd won the Nobel Prize or something."

The organization that nominated Yallaly, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63, will receive $1,000.