[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 116 (Friday, September 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO ROCKY MOUNT'S BUCK LEONARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 5, 1997

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I cannot be there all in 
person today for these special events in Rocky Mount wishing Buck 
Leonard a happy 90th birthday and unveiling a historical marker in his 
honor.
  Everyone in Rocky Mount knows of the many talents of Hall of Famer 
Buck Leonard. I recently read a description of Buck Leonard. It said 
that ``trying to sneak a fastball by Buck was like trying to sneak a 
sunrise past a rooster.'' Buck Leonard began his baseball career as a 
semipro star right there in Rocky Mount, but was soon forced to leave 
Rocky Mount during the Depression to chase his dream of playing 
professionally.
  What he accomplished is truly amazing. Buck Leonard led his team to 
nine consecutive Negro National League championships from 1937 to 1945. 
Buck led the Cum Posey Grays to back-to-back World Series Championships 
in 1943 and 1944. In 1947, he batted .410, and in 1948, he led the 
league in batting and tied for the lead in home runs while leading his 
team to yet another World Series title. He was always a fan favorite 
and became a fixture in the annual East-West All-Star classic, setting 
yet another record by playing in 11 All-Star games.
  I only wish that the whole world could have seen the talents of Buck 
Leonard in the major leagues. Although that national recognition came 
too late for Buck Leonard, he is enshrined today in the National 
Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. There is no player more deserving 
of that great honor than Rocky Mount's own Buck Leonard.
  Though Buck was forced to leave Rocky Mount to pursue his 
professional career, he never forgot his beloved hometown. It is only 
fitting that today, the city of Rocky Mount honors Buck Leonard not 
merely for his many baseball talents and accomplishments, but also for 
what he has done for this fine community.
  Buck, I wish you a happy birthday. Though I missed this celebration, 
reserve me a seat for your 100th birthday celebration.

                          ____________________