Former Detroit Tiger Willie Horton To Receive Abner Doubleday Patriot Player Award
DETROIT (WWJ) - The National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia is handing out a big honor to a former Tiger great. Willie Horton is receiving a brand new award, called the Abner Doubleday Patriot Player Award, set up to honor players who made significant contributions in support of the military and or their families.
As a Tiger, Horton traveled on several USO tours with Bob Hope, but he won't say whether he had any close calls.
"I've been around a lot of stuff but I never, when you do things like that you don't think of the dangers, you just do it. I never thought about things like that," said Horton.
In addition to travelling on several USO tours, Horton participates in clinics for military youth and makes it possible for hundreds of military families to attend Spring Training.
Horton's 18-year playing career and seven All-Star selections, along with his key role in the 1968 World Series, put him in baseball's upper echelon. Mr. Bud Selig, Commissioner of Baseball, praised Horton's recognition. "You are truly a hometown hero who has used his considerable platform to benefit others – the heroes of our armed forces, the people of Detroit, our future generations, and those who could use a helping hand."
The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot Park, a 200-acre tract linking Columbus, Georgia, and Fort Benning, is the first world-class site to pay tribute to the U.S. Army Infantryman and those who fight alongside him.
As the only interactive Army Museum in the United States, the museum showcases the contributions of the Infantry Soldier in every war fought by the U.S. by offering immersive participation and engaging visitors in the unique experiences of the Infantry Soldier. The complex also includes a parade field, memorial walk of honor, authentic World War II Company Street and 3-D IMAX Theatre.
