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Berra, Mays to be awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

Ray Stubblebine / USA TODAY Sports

Two of Major League Baseball's legends will be awarded the highest civilian honor handed out by the United States government.

Hall of Famers Yogi Berra and Willie Mays will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Nov. 24. The award recognizes individual contributions to the national interests of the United States, world peace, culture, or other significant public or private endeavors.

Berra, who died in September at the age of 90, was an 18-time All-Star and 13-time World Series champion. Berra also served in the Navy during World War II.

"Yogi received this highest of civilian honors in recognition of his military, civil rights, and educational activism," the Yogi Berra Museum said in a statement. "We are proud and honored that his ideals will continue to influence future generations through the educational services and character curriculum of his beloved museum and learning center."

Mays, a 19-time All-Star and two-time NL MVP, spent 22 seasons in the majors before retiring in 1973. He served in the Army after being drafted during the Korean War.

Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks was the last major leaguer to receive the award in 2013.

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