[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 72 (Friday, May 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE 12TH ANNUAL SALUTE TO THE PASSAIC SEMI-PRO BASEBALL LEAGUE

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                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 30, 1997

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention 
the Passaic Semi-Pro Baseball League, as they celebrate their 12th 
annual salute to Passaic semi-pro baseball reunion dinner, in honor of 
the baseball greats who left behind a legacy of greatness and fond 
memories in the sport of baseball.
  This year's event is truly a special occasion as the careers of four 
great men are highlighted in recognition of their outstanding and 
invaluable contributions they have made not only to the Passaic Semi-
Pro Baseball League, but also to themselves, their family, and friends, 
and their teammates. The distinguished group of honorees includes Al 
Ianuzzi, Emil Majka, John Kopec, Jr., and Ed Szerencsits. Although a 
tribute to the Passaic Semi-Pro Baseball League, I feel that is only 
fitting and proper that the careers of these four gentlemen are equally 
recognized for their proud accomplishments.
  Al Ianuzzi, born 1923, began his distinguished baseball career when 
he played varsity baseball at East Rutherford High School as a first-
baseman. In his senior year, Al's contributions helped lead the 
Wildcats to the group 2 State championship and earned him a place on 
the Passaic Valley Conference All-Star Team. He continued to play even 
when in the U.S. Army, and after he was discharged, Al played semi-pro 
baseball with great area teams, such as the Carlstadt Cubs and the 
Carlstadt Pros. He finished his outstanding career with the Passaic 
Demuro Comets.
  Emil Majka, born 1926, began his distinguished baseball career when, 
as a young teenager, he played for several years with the Passaic 
Industrials. A well-rounded player, Emil served the Industrials as a 
second- and third-baseman, and also at shortstop. He also played second 
base with the Holy Rosary St. Stan's in the Clifton Recreational 
League, eventually helping the team to a first-place finish. Later, 
Emil played Legion baseball, playing third base for Passaic Memorial 
Post No. 200 and batting over .400. An integral part of the team, he 
contributed significantly to the Post's Legion championship and played 
an outstanding game in the State championship in Trenton where he 
batted over .500. During this time, he also played shortstop for the 
All-Passaics. Upon entering service with the U.S. Air Force in 1944, 
Emil played third-base with his squadron's softball team and after 
being discharged, played third-base for the Okonite Co. of Passaic, of 
which he was also an employee. Emil is currently retired and lives in 
Garfield with his wife Anne, and has two sons.
  John Kopec, Jr., born 1931, began his distinguished baseball career 
early on, playing at Pulaski Park--South Field, mostly with the Bisons. 
He also played shortstop for the American Legion Rosoc-Duc Post No. 359 
and the Passaic High School Indians as a second-baseman. John's superb 
playing contributed to the Indians 1948 Valley Conference 
cochampionship and their 1949 championship. In 1949, John made first-
team All-Valley Conference as a second-baseman. His semi-pro activities 
include stints with the Bisons, the Maple Leafs, the Comets, and the 
Clifton Dodgers.
  Ed Szerencsits, born 1937, began his distinguished baseball career as 
a pitcher at Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic from 1953 to 1955. He 
went undefeated in high school and led the team to the parochial group 
B north Jersey sectional championship. During this time, Ed made first- 
and second-team all-State for private schools. His semi-pro career 
began in 1955 playing for teams such as the Demuro Comets, under Ted 
Lublanecki, the Granatell Indians, under Milt Stein, and the Clifton 
Dodgers, under Ray Mastrobert. Ed also had pitched for Seton Hall 
University under coach Ownie Carroll, taking the Pirates to the 
metropolitan collegiate baseball title in 1959. He was 22d in the 
Nation E.R.A. in 1958 and 10th in the Nation E.R.A. in 1959. In 1959, 
Ed was signed to a professional contract with the Milwaukee Braves by 
Honey Russell and the current manager of the New York Yankees, Joe 
Torre but was released by current Chicago White Sox manager, Roland 
Hemond, after spring training.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Al's, Emil's, 
John's and Ed's family and friends, and the people of north Jersey in 
recognizing the outstanding and invaluable contributions to the sport 
of baseball, made by these four gentlemen, during the 12th annual 
salute to the Passaic Semi-Pro Baseball League.




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