[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 128 (Thursday, August 3, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S11341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       A TRIBUTE TO RED BARTLETT

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Red 
Bartlett, a resident of Newport, KY, a man who has dedicated 50 years 
of his life  to  the  people  in  his  community, especially 
 the children.  Mr. Bartlett is  marking  his  50th  year  
of service to knothole  baseball  in  Campbell 
County. In addition to this commitment, Red has carried the 
children of Campbell County through many other programs.
  It seems strange to refer to him as Mr. Bartlett. For thousands of 
northern Kentuckians know him--friend and stranger alike--simply as 
Red.
  Red served as knothole supervisor for all of Campbell County 
beginning in 1949. Currently supervisor of knothole District 22, he 
will work with his replacement right up to the end of next year. 
Although he will soon retire, his memory will live on in the hearts of 
the countless number of children to whom he was coach, role model, and 
friend.
  Red grew up in an orphanage and has spent his life enriching his 
community by providing a fun, safe, and accessible recreational outlet 
for children. He was honored by the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of 
Fame and recently by the Greater Cincinnati Knothole Hall of Fame for 
his extensive commitment to athletic supervision. He has worked as the 
Newport city recreation director and as the Newport Central Catholic 
High School tennis coach.
  Red organized Youth, Inc. Boys Club. That organization ran the junior 
olympics program in northern Kentucky, a youth basketball league, and 
was instrumental in establishing the Pee-Wee football league in 
Campbell County.
  Mr. President, a little more than 4 years ago, Red reorganized the 
all-stars games to recognize knothole players of northern Kentucky. The 
proceeds benefit the family nurturing center child abuse prevention 
programs and local food pantries. He organized the games and made sure 
each young star received an engraved trophy.
  Red believed each child should have a chance to build character and 
confidence on the athletic field. He provided a channel, gave positive 
recognition, and taught self-esteem.
  Mr. President, I would like to close now with a thought expressed in 
a recent editorial by the Kentucky Post. The Post wrote, ``No one hands 
out hero's medals to men who serve 50 years in knothole. Maybe they 
should. Red Bartlett just may have done more for youth sports and for 
the young people of Campbell County over the last half-century than 
anyone.''
  To sum it up, Red gave children a chance to learn some of life's most 
lasting lessons through athletics. His commitment to his community made 
Red the real star.


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