[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 49 (Friday, April 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E629]]



     HONORING THE WOODBRIDGE FATHERS BASEBALL LEAGUE ON THEIR 30TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2002

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to extend my sincere congratulations to an outstanding organization in 
our community, the Woodbridge Fathers Baseball League, as they 
celebrate their thirtieth anniversary. This Saturday, I will have the 
honor of joining the WFBL as they kick-off this season with their 
Opening Day ceremonies.
  For three decades, the WFBL has provided children between the ages of 
5 and 15 with the opportunity to participate in softball and baseball--
your country's greatest pastime. The league was born out of the concern 
of several fathers in Woodbridge who wanted to provide a more 
competitive baseball league for their children. In only a few short 
months, the WFBL was formed and, in its initial season, had about 200 
children that made up fifteen teams. Today, with the addition of 
softball and a Rookies League Division, the WFBL has 575 participating 
children, making up forty-eight teams.
  Baseball and softball, like all sports, teaches us the value of team 
work, practice, camaraderie, and commitment to excellence. These are 
the skills that will serve our young people well as they begin to make 
a difference in the world. Through baseball or softball, the WFBL has 
given the children of Woodbridge and Bethany the opportunity to develop 
strong bonds of friendship based on many years of teamwork that often 
last well beyond their high school years. This is the true gift that 
the WFBL has and continues to give to the young people of Woodbridge 
and Bethany.
  As a symbol of the start of spring, Opening Day has always been one 
of my favorite times to visit communities--especially Woodbridge, 
Connecticut. Every year, families from throughout the community gather 
to celebrate the beginning of the season--it is one of this community's 
most enjoyable spring rituals. Every team is in first place, dreaming 
of a championship that will be theirs at the end of the summer. The 
smell of a new glove, the crack of a bat, and the chatter of the 
outfield remind us why this is America's favorite pastime.
  This year, as the Woodbridge community celebrates Opening Day and 
what has become a symbol of America, we will also take a moment to 
reflect on one of our country's greatest tragedies. In the months that 
have passed since September 11th, the American people have struggled to 
regain a sense of normalcy. Who can forget the truly awesome scene at 
Yankee Stadium, with the brilliant voice of a New York Police Officer 
singing God Bless America as an eagle swooped through the stadium--
unifying our nation and strengthening our resolve. In these past 
months, communities across the nation have developed a new found 
respect for those who dedicate their careers to protecting our families 
and our communities. I am honored to join the Woodbridge Fathers 
Baseball League and the Woodbridge community in extending my deepest 
thanks and appreciation to the Woodbridge Volunteer Fire Department. 
Their commitment and unparalleled courage make a real difference in our 
community.
  Celebrating thirty years of prosperity and fun, it is with my sincere 
thanks that I join the Woodbridge community in congratulating the 
Woodbridge Fathers Baseball League on their 30th Anniversary. From your 
first president, Tony Malafonte, to the current president Dwight 
Rowland, this organization has left an indelible mark on this 
community.

                          ____________________