2017 Dedication & Service Award – Michael D. Perry

The Post 320 Baseball Association is proud to announce this year’s honoree for the Hopkins American Legion Dedication and Service Award, Mr. Michael Perry. 

Mike’s history of dedication and service spans nearly a half century. It’s a history built on a culture of success, a focus on hard work and perseverance, a deeply-rooted dedication to family and a profound commitment to selflessness and helping others succeed. 

The “Big Chief,” as he is commonly known amongst Flyers and Millers players (who love him dearly), grew up in Robbinsdale, MN. He attended Benilde St. Margaret’s High School where he is now a member of the BSM Athletic Hall of Fame, following an outstanding playing career as a multiple sport athlete. Perry would continue his education at St. John’s University, where he was a member of the 1965 National Championship Football Team. During his time at SJU, Perry was a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (ROTC) and would later serve four years in Alaska, followed by serving as an Army Reserve member thereafter. Mike would then go into a career as a sales professional for Jostens, where he worked with athletic directors, coaches and student athletes across the Midwest. A few years ago, Perry retired from Jostens after 44 loyal years on the job.  

Perry’s leadership accolades also cover decades of service where he has touched thousands of lives. He began coaching at Glen Lake Mighty Mites in 1983, and went on to coach HBA Travel Teams before finally ending up at the Hopkins American Legion Program in 1992. Here, in addition to coaching, he would serve as the Program’s Director for many years. Perry continues to dedicate time to the Hopkins Legion Program as the General Manager of the Hopkins Post 320 Baseball Association. 

His dedication to Legion Baseball extends beyond the Hopkins border. He currently serves as the Minnesota State Director of American Legion Baseball – a post he has held for the past five years, after serving on the Board of Director’s for the previous eight. Mike is also a member of the American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame. As if these accolades weren’t enough, at the age of 71, he can still throw left-handed 90 mph batting practice; at least that is what he tells his grandkids. 

Mike and his wife, Judy, married in 1968, and made a home in Minnetonka, where they reside today. They have two children, Ryan and Nikki, and are proud grandparents of five grandchildren – Jake (14), Ella (12), Miley (10), Anika (14) and Sophia (11). His commitment to his family is selfless and unparalleled, as he continually places the needs of those he loves far and away above his own.