Hal and Jo McRae Receive Senator Edgar H. Price Jr. Award

Posted Thursday, June 18, 2015 12:00 am

Dennis Maley

Hal and Jo McRae

BRADENTON – A crowd of nearly 400 gathered at the Bradenton Municipal Auditorium last Thursday to pay tribute to Hal and Jo McRae, as they were presented with the Senator Edgar H. Price Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award by Family Health Care Centers of Manatee. An a-list crowd of social and political elite honored the local couple for their vast array of charitable endeavors with local organizations.

McRae, one of the best professional baseball players of his era, was an all-star designated hitter with the Kansas City Royals in the 70's and 80's and went on to manage the team, while his son, Manatee High alum Brian McRae, was the starting center fielder. McRae was a three-time all-star and two-time World Series Champion and came within .001 points of a batting title, losing first place to teammate George Brett in the final game of the 1976 season. McRae also managed the Ray's in '01 and '02.

McRae in his playing days

His wife Johncyna is a former teacher at Southeast High and a native of Palmetto. She is an active member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. The couple have also worked extensively with the Junior League of Manatee and several cancer-related charities.

In attendance were a virtual who's who of the Manatee area. Dick Vitale watched from a front row table and also contributed several items to the silent auction that benefited FHCCM. Other notable guests included Senator Price, County Commissioners Whitmore and Chappie, Sheriff Brad Steube, Palmetto Police Chief Rick Wells as well as former Chief Gary Lowes, past recipient Pat Glass, and current political candidates Dave Minor, Jim Boyd and Julie Aranibar.

Former Manatee Sheriff Charlie Wells emceed the event. FHCCM president Colonel Walter "Mickey" Presha eloquently presented the award, which McRae called an honor as great as any he received playing baseball. Family Health Care Centers of Manatee is a non-profit organization that provides access to quality health care in underserved parts of the community.