[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 24, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4059-S4060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
YANKEE FOUNDATION
Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, on April 10, 1996, the New York Yankees
baseball organization held its annual homecoming dinner. This year's
dinner raised money for the Yankee Foundation, and paid special tribute
to one of the Yankees' and indeed one of pro baseball's great players,
the late Mickey Mantle. Former and current Yankees along with their
friends and family will be on hand.
The Yankee Foundation raises money for youth programs and youth
organizations throughout the Greater New York City area. The Yankees'
principal owner George Steinbrenner presented the traditional ``Pride
of the Yankees'' award to Mr. James M. Benson, president and chief
operating officer of the Equitable Life Insurance Society. Mr. Benson
received this honor
[[Page S4060]]
for his tireless work on behalf of the numerous philanthropic causes
the Yankees are involved in.
Mr. William Denis Fugazy of Fugazy International also deserves
mention. I know Bill Fugazy. He has been the general chairman of this
dinner since its inception. Through Bill Fugazy's leadership, many
young people have been given a chance to participate in some of the
youth programs supported by the Yankees. The opportunity to participate
in these programs helps young people develop skills which they can
carry with them always. It is good to see sports franchises like the
New York Yankees offer their communities more than just baseball games,
and associate themselves with quality people like Bill Fugazy.
This year's dinner also honored the late great Mickey Mantle. All of
us know of his well chronicled, storied career. Many of us followed his
achievements on the field when we were kids. From his exciting rookie
year through his triple crown, and MVP years, all of the World Series
in which he participated, to his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame,
Mantle provided many exciting memories for young and old fans alike.
Few would disagree that he will remain the Pride of the Yankees, and
all of baseball.
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