Indians want Feller honored with Medal of Freedom

The Cleveland Indians would like to see one of the greatest pitchers in the organization's history honored by the President of the United States for his dedication to his country in World War II.

The Indians filed a petition to Barack Obama on Wednesday to have Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, after he abandoned his career in baseball to enlist in the United States Navy during the war.

Feller was the first baseball player to enlist.

"In addition to the incredible and lasting impact Bob made on the Indians organization," Indians senior vice president of public affairs Bob DiBiasio said in a press release, "we think his meritorious contribution to the security and national interests of the United States makes him worthy of consideration for the Presidential Medal of Freedom."

Cleveland's petition requires 100,000 signatures by March 4 before the White House will look into the matter.

The Medal of Freedom is given to civilians who contribute to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

Feller missed parts of four seasons while serving his country, and still went on to have a fruitful career in the big leagues, earning 266 career victories to go along with an ERA of 3.25 in over 3,800 innings of work.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962.