[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 162 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         March 6, 2007.
Whereas even though African Americans were excluded from playing in the major 
        leagues of their time with their white counterparts, the desire of many 
        African Americans to play baseball could not be repressed;
Whereas Major League Baseball did not fully integrate its leagues until July 
        1959;
Whereas African Americans began organizing their own professional baseball teams 
        in 1885;
Whereas the skills and abilities of Negro League players eventually made Major 
        League Baseball realize the need to integrate the sport;
Whereas six 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 who 
        played the game at its highest level;
Whereas on May 20, 1920, the Negro National League, the first successful Negro 
        League, played its first game;
Whereas Andrew ``Rube'' Foster, on February 13, 1920, at the Paseo YMCA in 
        Kansas City, Missouri, founded the Negro National League and also 
        managed and played for the Chicago American Giants, and later was 
        inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame;
Whereas Leroy ``Satchel'' Paige, who began his long career in the Negro Leagues 
        and did not make his Major League debut until the age of 42, is 
        considered one of the greatest pitchers the game has ever seen, and 
        during his long career thrilled millions of baseball fans with his skill 
        and legendary showboating, and was later inducted into the Baseball Hall 
        of Fame;
Whereas Josh Gibson, who was the greatest slugger of the Negro Leagues, 
        tragically died months before the integration of baseball, and was later 
        inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame;
Whereas Jackie Robinson, whose career began with the Kansas City Monarchs of the 
        Negro American League, became the first African American to play in the 
        Major Leagues in April 1947, was named Major League Baseball Rookie of 
        the Year in 1947, subsequently led the Brooklyn Dodgers to 6 National 
        League pennants and a World Series championship, and was later inducted 
        into the Baseball Hall of Fame;
Whereas Larry Doby, whose career began with the Newark Eagles of the Negro 
        National League, became the first African American to play in the 
        American League in July 1947, was an All-Star 9 times in the Negro 
        Leagues and Major League Baseball, and was later inducted into the 
        Baseball Hall of Fame;
Whereas John Jordan ``Buck'' O'Neil was a player and manager of the Kansas City 
        Monarchs of the Negro American League, became the first African American 
        coach in the Major Leagues with the Chicago Cubs in 1962, served on the 
        Veterans Committee of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, chaired the 
        Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Board of Directors, and worked tirelessly 
        to promote the history of the Negro Leagues;
Whereas the talents of such players as James Thomas ``Cool Papa'' Bell and Oscar 
        Charleston earned them recognition in the Baseball Hall of Fame as well 
        as the Sporting News List of Baseball's Greatest Players, but were all 
        denied admission to the Major Leagues due to the color of their skin;
Whereas Minnie Minoso played in the Negro Leagues for several years before being 
        allowed to play in the Major League and was denied admission to the Hall 
        of Fame, because during his prime years, he was a victim of racial 
        discrimination;
Whereas Autozone Park in Memphis, Tennessee, has been designated to host on 
        March 31, 2007, the inaugural Civil Rights Game between World Series 
        champions, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cleveland Indians in 
        commemoration of the Civil Rights Movement; and
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: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (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) requests that the President issue a proclamation recognizing 
        ``Negro Leaguers Recognition Day''.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.