'Doc' Yallaly is highly deserving of Spirit award

To the editor:

No one deserves the Spirit of America Award more then John "Doc" Yallaly. I played baseball for the Cape American Legion team and Doc back in 1962 and 1963. He was the main reason players like me wanted to be on the Legion team. He knew what he was talking about, and he had a knack for knowing when a local player had talent. He wanted to win, like we all did, but he also wanted all his players to learn how important it was to play as a team, win or lose, because he knew that would start us out in life on the right foot.

My wife and I have lived in St. Louis for over 30 years, but we do get back to Cape Girardeau now and then, especially during the SEMO District Fair. Doc is always in the American Legion beer booth, so I always try to stop by to say hi. I always feel so good after doing so.

I just wish I could be at the ceremony this week. Way to go, Doc. Good things always go to good people.

MIKE BADER

St. Louis