Bud Harrelson, a member of the 1969 World Champion New York Mets, managed by Gil Hodges, has been selected to receive Winning Beyond Winning's Gil Hodges Community Service Award. The award will be presented by Joan Hodges, widow of the legendary Brooklyn Dodger first baseman and Mets manager, at WBW's Fifth Annual Dinner, on Nov. 21, at the Chateau Briand in Westbury.

Harrelson, currently president, part owner, and first base coach for the Long Island Ducks of the Independent League, is a longtime Long Island resident who has consistently lent his name and his time and energies to civic and community affairs. He is most widely known now for his tireless efforts in bringing professional baseball to Long Island, but those in the charitable community know that Bud Harrelson has been one of the "good guys" for a long time.

Since moving to Long Island in 1969 from his native California, Bud, his wife, Kim, and his family have been whole-hearted Islanders. Bud's children, Alexandra, Kassandra and TJ attended public school here on Long Island and he has been active in their respective sports endeavors. Bud has two older children, Tim and Kimberly. Tim lives in Commack with his two children, and Kimberly lives in California with her three children.

Bud serves on the board of directors of Suffolk Police Athletic League and volunteers time for a Make-a-Wish, and just about any other worthy cause that asks him.

The relationship between Harrelson and Hodges goes back to 1968 when Hodges, as the new manager of the Mets, watched Bud weigh in. Harrelson was afraid that Hodges wouldn't want a 147 pound shortstop, but was happy to hear Hodges say "You are by far the strongest player I've ever seen at 147 pounds." Harrelson had a 16-year major league playing career. He was a two time All-Star (1970-1971), a Gold Glove Shortstop and played in two World Series with the Mets, 1969 and 1973. After his playing career, Harrelson went on to manage the Mets, before helping create the Long Island Ducks.

In announcing the selection of Harrelson as the Hodges' Award winner, WBW president Thomas M. Sabellico said, "We could not think of a person more perfectly fitting than Bud Harrelson to receive this award. Like Gil Hodges, Bud is tremendously respected in the baseball community, and he lives where he played, making both the team and the community better."

Those wishing to honor Bud Harrelson can attend the dinner or convey their congratulations in the journal which will be distributed at the dinner.

Since it was founded in 1998, Winning Beyond Winning has presented like skills and alcohol and drug education programs, featuring former major league players, to over 18,000 children. Winning Beyond Winning is available to speak to youth groups, sports organizations, and school groups - offering clinics, panel discussions, and other programs. For information about Winning Beyond Winning's programs, its annual dinner or the dinner journal, call 845-4585, write to Winning Beyond Winning at 12 Second Avenue, Farmingdale, New York 11735, or e-mail the organization at WBWinning@aol.com.