[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 118 (Monday, September 13, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF MR. MANUEL MOTA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 13, 1999

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, it is with utmost pleasure and privilege 
that I rise today to recognize a wonderful American, Mr. Manuel 
``Manny'' Rafael Geronimo Mota, for his spirited work with youth, his 
humanitarian service, and his outstanding accomplishments as a major 
league baseball player and coach. Through his compassion for others and 
his infectious enthusiasm for life, Manny has served as a model citizen 
for all Americans.
  Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on February 13, 1938, Manny 
Mota grew up loving the game of baseball. Soon, Manny realized that he 
had a gift for the grand old game. At the tender age of 19, Manny 
demonstrated a keen eye at the plate when he joined the minor leagues. 
Within a few years, Manny ascended to the major leagues and soon 
established himself as a premier hitter.
  Manny joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1969 and contributed to 
Dodger success from 1969-1982. As a player for the Dodgers, Manny 
established the all-time major league record for pinch-hits with 150. 
Manny batted .304 over his entire 20-year major league career with 
Montreal, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Manny Mota was 
selected to the 1973 National League All-Star team and led the league 
with a .351 batting average at the All-Star Break. When you add his 
tenure as a coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Manny has served the 
Dodgers for 30 years.
  Just as important as Manny Mota's contributions on the field are his 
contributions off the field. Over a quarter of a century ago, Manny 
Mota established the Manny Mota International Foundation with the 
intention of giving youth opportunities to reach their full potential 
and pursue a quality education. Manny has used baseball as his medium 
to instruct and motivate Los Angeles youth. The Manny Mota 
International Foundation awards five $1,000 scholarships to Los Angeles 
area students each year.
  Manny Mota's generosity extends beyond the borders of the United 
States. Manny has worked hard to raise money to build a medical clinic, 
baseball field, and school in the Dominican Republic. Manny Mota was at 
the forefront of relief efforts when natural disasters devastated the 
Dominican Republic, Central America, and other regions of Latin 
America. Repeatedly, Manny demonstrates that he does not forget his 
roots, as he swiftly extends aid to those who are disadvantaged.
  Manny has also served as a loving caretaker of a successfully family. 
He resides with his wife Margarita in Glendale and is the proud father 
of eight children: Cecilia, Jose, Andres, Domingo, Manuel, Maria, 
Rafael, and Antonio. His wife and children remain active in foundation 
activities and embrace the same commitment to public service that has 
inspired Manny to share his gifts with others.
  Just as Manny so often delivered ``in the pinch'' at the plate, so 
has he delivered ``in the pinch'' in life. Mr. Speaker, family and 
friends of Manny Mota gathered at the California Plaza Watercourt in 
Downtown Los Angeles, California on Saturday, August 28, 1999 to 
celebrate the 30th anniversary of his association with the Los Angeles 
Dodgers, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me 
today in saluting this exceptional man.

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