[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 11 (Thursday, January 19, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING UMPIRE RON LUCIANO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New York [Mr. Hinchey] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to former major 
league umpire Ronald M. Luciano who passed away Wednesday at his home 
in Endicott, NY, at the age of 57.
  One of the American League's top umpires throughout his 11-year 
career, Luciano was a respected and well-liked member of the baseball 
community. Luciano worked the 1974 World Series and the 1971, 1975, and 
1978 American League Championships, an honor reserved for the league's 
best umpires.
  Luciano retired from umpiring in 1980 to become a television 
commentator, as well as an author. His 1982 book, ``The Umpire Strikes 
Back'' was a best seller.
  It is as one of the game's great ambassadors, however, that Luciano 
will be most remembered. Luciano brought a showmanship to the sport 
seldom seen from an umpire. Through his unique style, often comedic, 
Luciano helped sell our Nation's pastime to fans of all ages.
  Even after he achieved national stature, Luciano remained an active 
member of the Broome County community. A devoted son and brother, 
Luciano returned to Endicott where he undertook a local business 
venture. Luciano was frequently spotted lending his support and 
expertise at Little League baseball games.
  The citizens of Broome County will miss him as much for his community 
involvement as for what he did for baseball.
  I hope my colleagues will join me today in paying tribute to Ron 
Luciano. His passing is a loss for both baseball and for a community to 
which he was such an integral member. I extend my sincerest condolences 
to his family.

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