[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 81 (Friday, June 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO SAM SUPLIZIO -- TRULY A BASEBALL LEGEND

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 23, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, It is with great pride and pleasure that I 
would like to take this moment to honor Sam Suplizio for being inducted 
into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Sam has 
dedicated a significant portion of his life to the great American game 
of Baseball. His many successes as a player and coach make him most 
deserving of this Hall of Fame induction as well as the praise and 
esteem of this great body. For these reasons, I feel it is proper that 
we pay tribute to him now.
  Sam's devotion to baseball started with his stellar career as a 
player. He got his start as an All-American Center Fielder for the 
University of New Mexico, where he had a three-year varsity career. To 
further his playing career, Sam was drafted in 1953 by the New York 
Yankees. While with the Yankee's organization, Sam earned such honors 
as Eastern League's best defensive outfielder and was recognized as a 
league all-star.
  Sam began his coaching career as a manager for the Dodgers' 
Thomasville affiliate. After a short stint with the Dodgers, Sam moved 
to Grand Junction, Colorado where he landed a job coaching the Grand 
Junction Eagles, a job that provided him with 20 years of success. 
Sam's coaching career has also steered him overseas, where he headed 
the World Port tournament in Rotterdam, Holland and instructed teams in 
both Europe and Israel. In all, Sam has spent 46 years as a player or 
coach in professional baseball. His professional career has seen him 
serve as a coach/instructor for the Milwaukee Brewers and the Anaheim 
Angels.
  Mr. Speaker, Sam Suplizio is truly an American baseball legend. His 
dedication and devotion to the great American game of baseball are 
unparalleled and should not go without recognition. Beyond his 
remarkable career in baseball, Sam has been a pillar of the community 
in Grand Junction and a role model for many. His love for the game is 
eminently worthy of this body's recognition even as he receives this 
prestigious award from the American Baseball Coaches Association. Great 
job Sam! Your community is very proud of you!

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