[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 24, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8116-S8117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE PASSING OF PATRICK McKERNAN

 Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise to make a few remarks 
concerning the recent passing of New Mexico's Patrick McKernan. Patrick 
McKernan recently passed away at the age of 60 due to complications of 
cancer. He is survived by his seven children and wife. McKernan, who 
has been deemed by many as ``Mr. Baseball'' was best known in New 
Mexico for his management of the Albuquerque Dukes AAA baseball team. 
However, McKernan was more than just the manager of one of the most 
successful baseball teams in minor league history, he was also the man 
who helped pave the way for the success of professional sports in New 
Mexico. One of Pat McKernan's key philosophies was the belief that the 
Albuquerque Dukes were more than a Dodgers AAA affiliate; they were in 
fact Albuquerque's very own team. McKernan worked hard to make sure the 
people of New Mexico knew this.
  McKernan's professional success is highlighted by recognition from 
his peers: three time PCL executive of the year, three time Eastern 
League executive of the year, 2000 inductee to the Albuquerque Sports 
Hall of Fame, and recipient of the ``King of Baseball'' lifetime 
achievement award. However, one of his most impressive achievements is 
not illustrated by any award, but by the fact that for more than 20 
years, attendance at Dukes baseball games was well above the levels for 
the rest of minor league baseball.
  McKernan's management made it easy for Albuquerque and the rest of 
New Mexico to love the Dukes. McKernan went above and beyond the duties 
of a general manager. McKernan believed that baseball was more than 
just a game, it could also in fact be used as a gateway to reach out to 
the entire community. He made it an obligation for Dukes management and 
players to personally reach out to the community that had so lovingly 
embraced it. Each Christmas, McKernan dressed as Santa Claus and 
personally handed out presents to needy children. McKernan showed his 
humanitarianism and genuine love of his fellow New Mexicans by donating 
excess food to local homeless shelters following every Dukes home game.
  An editorial in The Albuquerque Tribune made a reference to Patrick 
McKernan and the city of Albuquerque

[[Page S8117]]

by saying that they seemed almost intertwined in an ineffably charming 
enchantment. This statement is all too true. Not only did the world of 
baseball lose a brilliant and capable administrator, but the state of 
New Mexico also lost one its finest citizens and humanitarians. The 
citizens of Albuquerque and our state mourn the loss of Patrick 
McKernan.

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