[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 100 (Monday, June 19, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S8627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      THE 1995 ABERDEEN PHEASANTS

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, when I was growing up, professional 
baseball flourished in South Dakota. I remember many games from the 
now-defunct Basin League. Those teams stimulated and nurtured my love 
of America's greatest pastime. Therefore, as a lifelong baseball fan, I 
am very pleased to announce that professional baseball has returned to 
Aberdeen, SD, after a 24-year hiatus.
  Last Friday night, June 16, the Aberdeen Pheasants won their home 
opener at Fossum Field against Saskatchewan's Regina Cyclones, 7-3. 
Since opening their 71 game season on the road on June 9 against 
Manitoba's Brandon Greyowls, the Pheasants have played brilliantly, 
winning eight of their first nine games. They are tied for the lead in 
their division. I am confident the team's early success is an 
indication of great seasons and thrilling action in the months and 
years ahead.
  The 1995 Aberdeen Pheasants are part of the newly formed Prairie 
League, an eight-team independent professional baseball league 
consisting of four American and four Canadian teams. The Pheasants' 
ownership committee has a distinct local flavor consisting of 20 
Aberdeen residents. The committee's executive leadership consists of 
Jeff Sveen, Dr. Scott Barry, and Keith Kusler will work closely with 
Arthur Bright, the vice president of operations and Rich Bosma, the 
team's general manager. I congratulate them and the entire ownership 
committee for bringing baseball back to Aberdeen, and for their team's 
early success this year.
  Mr. President, I also am proud, though not surprised, how the entire 
Aberdeen community has rallied behind the effort to return pro baseball 
to the area. The Pheasants are the talk of the town. Friday's home 
opener was very well attended. Knowing the enthusiasm for baseball in 
the area, I am sure fan support will remain strong throughout the 
season.
  The 1995 Pheasants are the latest chapter in the long and proud 
history of Aberdeen professional baseball. The city had a class D 
baseball team in the 1920 South Dakota League and from 1921 to 1923 in 
the reorganized Dakota League. In 1946, the Aberdeen Pheasants joined 
the old Northern League as a farm team for the Baltimore Orioles and 
remained in the Northern League until the entire league collapsed after 
the 1971 season.
  During this 25-year period, as many as 40 Pheasant players went on to 
play in the Major Leagues. Among the notable Pheasant alumni were Hall 
of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer; Don Larson, who pitched a perfect game in 
the 1956 World Series; 1958 Cy Young winner Bob Turley and New York 
Yankee all-star player Lou Piniella. In addition, Cal Ripken, Sr., 
managed the Pheasants prior to assuming the same duties for the 
Baltimore Orioles. I am confident present Pheasants manager Bob Flori, 
assistant Coach Joe Calfapietra, and their crew of young, talented 
players will carry on the great traditions established by these 
players. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to place in the Record 
the team roster of the 1995 Aberdeen Pheasants at the conclusion of my 
remarks.
  Mr. President, on behalf of the people of South Dakota, I want to 
welcome back the Pheasants to Aberdeen and wish them the best of luck 
in their inaugural season. Gentlemen, play ball!


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