[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 228 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







108th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 228

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


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 23, 2003

  Mr. Nelson of Florida submitted the following resolution; which was 
  referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               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 Major League Baseball was not fully integrated until July 1959;
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;
Whereas in 1997 Major League Baseball created a pension plan for former players 
        of the Negro Baseball Leagues who went on to play in Major League 
        Baseball; and
Whereas baseball is the national pastime and reflects the history of the Nation: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the teams and players of the Negro Baseball 
        Leagues for their achievements, dedication, sacrifices, and 
        contributions to both baseball and our Nation; and
            (2) encourages Major League Baseball to reach a fair 
        compensation agreement with former players of the Negro 
        Baseball Leagues who were excluded under Major League 
        Baseball's 1997 pension plan.
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