[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 337 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 337


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                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 20, 2002

        Received and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
  Recognizing the teams and players of the Negro Baseball Leagues for 
   their achievements, dedication, sacrifices, and contributions to 
                        baseball and the Nation.

Whereas even though African-Americans were excluded from playing in the major 
        leagues of baseball with their Caucasian counterparts, the desire of 
        some African-Americans to play baseball could not be repressed;
Whereas African-Americans began organizing their own professional baseball teams 
        in 1885;
Whereas 6 separate baseball leagues, known collectively as the Negro Baseball 
        Leagues, were organized by African-Americans between 1920 and 1960;
Whereas the Negro Baseball Leagues included exceptionally talented players;
Whereas Jackie Robinson, whose career began in the Negro Baseball Leagues, was 
        named Rookie of the Year in 1947 and subsequently led the Brooklyn 
        Dodgers to 6 National League pennants and a World Series championship;
Whereas by achieving success on the baseball field, African-American baseball 
        players helped break down color barriers and integrate African-Americans 
        into all aspects of society in the United States;
Whereas during World War II, more than 50 Negro Baseball League players served 
        in the Armed Forces of the United States;
Whereas during an era of sexism and gender barriers, 3 women played in the Negro 
        Baseball Leagues;
Whereas the Negro Baseball Leagues helped teach the people of the United States 
        that what matters most is not the color of a person's skin, but the 
        content of that person's character and the measure of that person's 
        skills and abilities;
Whereas only in recent years has the history of the Negro Baseball Leagues begun 
        receiving the recognition that it deserves; and
Whereas baseball is the national pastime and reflects the history of the Nation: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That Congress recognizes the teams and players of the Negro Baseball 
Leagues for their achievements, dedication, sacrifices, and 
contributions to baseball and the Nation.

            Passed the House of Representatives September 19, 2002.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.