[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 368 Introduced in House (IH)]







110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 368

Recognizing May 2, 2008, as the 88th anniversary of the first National 
                      Negro League baseball game.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              June 4, 2008

  Mr. Carson submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
      referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing May 2, 2008, as the 88th anniversary of the first National 
                      Negro League baseball game.

Whereas many separate baseball leagues, known collectively as the ``Negro 
        Baseball Leagues'', were organized by African-Americans between 1920 and 
        1960;
Whereas Major League Baseball did not fully integrate its leagues until July 
        1959;
Whereas the skills and abilities of Negro Baseball League players eventually 
        made Major League Baseball realize the need to integrate the sport;
Whereas Andrew ``Rube'' Foster founded the Negro National League on February 13, 
        1920, at the Paseo YMCA in Kansas City, Missouri, and also managed and 
        played for the Chicago American Giants, and later was inducted into the 
        Baseball Hall of Fame;
Whereas the National Negro League played its first game on May 2, 1920, at 
        Washington Park, originally located 3 blocks over the White River Bridge 
        west of downtown in Indianapolis, Indiana;
Whereas in the first National Negro League game, the Indianapolis ABCs hosted 
        the Chicago Union Giants and won by a score of 4-2;
Whereas the Indianapolis ABCs, named after their sponsor, the American Brewing 
        Company, and formed at the turn of the last century, played teams from 
        around the city, including some white teams from throughout Indiana;
Whereas Charles I. Taylor founded and managed the ABCs and was widely considered 
        to be one of the best early Negro Baseball League managers;
Whereas C.I. Taylor's eye for spotting talent discovered future Hall of Fame 
        players like Oscar Charleston, Ben Taylor, and Raleigh ``Biz'' Mackey;
Whereas the Indianapolis ABCs excelled in the Negro National League, finishing 
        second in the 1922 season with a 46-33 record;
Whereas the Indianapolis ABCs played 11 seasons in the Negro Baseball Leagues, 
        from 1920 to 1926, 1931 to 1932, and 1938 to 1939, and the Indianapolis 
        Clowns played 17 seasons in the Negro Baseball Leagues, from 1946 to 
        1962;
Whereas the Negro Baseball Leagues included exceptionally talented players who 
        played the game at its highest level;
Whereas Henry ``Hank'' Aaron made his professional debut with the Indianapolis 
        Clowns in 1952 and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982; and
Whereas by achieving success on the baseball field, African-American baseball 
        teams, managers, and players helped break down color barriers and 
        integrate African-Americans into all aspects of society in the United 
        States: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
            (1) recognizes the 88th anniversary of the first National 
        Negro League baseball game, played in Indianapolis, Indiana; 
        and
            (2) recognizes the teams and players of the Negro Baseball 
        Leagues for their achievements, dedication, sacrifices, and 
        contributions to both baseball and our Nation.
                                 <all>