[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 47 (Monday, April 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E713-E714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF JACKIE ROOSEVELT ROBINSON

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 15, 1997

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to 
Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play major league 
baseball in the 20th century.
  Jackie Robinson, came from humble beginnings and was born on January 
31, 1919. The son of a sharecropper, was never one to let adversity or 
racial discrimination stand in his path.

[[Page E714]]

  He attended the University of California, where he won acclaim in 
basketball, football, baseball, and track and field. Jackie's 
collegiate experience was cut short in 1941 because of financial 
hardship. Jackie was forced to leave the university. To support his 
family, Jackie enlisted in the Army in 1942 and was subsequently 
commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1943.
  In 1947, the Brooklyn Dodgers signed Jackie up as a player. He became 
the first African-American to play major league baseball. During the 
early years, his debut into professional baseball was anything but 
easy. Jackie was forced to face facial discrimination, hatred and 
bigotry from white major league baseball players and fans on an almost 
daily basis. Yet, despite this hostile environment, Jackie achieved 
fame as one of the greatest baseball players.
  Before his retirement in 1956, Jackie had compiled a career batting 
average of .311 and had played for six pennant winners and one world 
championship team in Brooklyn. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1947 
and Most Valuable Player in the National League in 1949, the year he 
led the league in stolen bases. Although Jackie played many positions, 
he was primarily a second baseman.
  Jackie's lifetime accomplishments go well beyond the limits of a 
baseball diamond. He was a noted civil rights leader, devoted family 
man and shrewd businessman and banker. Harlem was his adopted home.
  Today is indeed a special occasion, for it marks the 50th anniversary 
of Jackie Robinson's debut into the professional baseball league. 
Jackie has been a positive role model for so many aspiring youth. We 
have only to look at the recent accomplishments of Tiger Woods.
  Please join me in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jackie 
Robinson's debut into professional baseball.

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