[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E916-E917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         VETERANS HONORED BY THE NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2002

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my 
colleagues about a very special event that will take place this Monday, 
May 27th, Memorial Day, in Cooperstown, New York. In a special 
ceremony, on the day in which we honor America's fallen heroes, the 
National Baseball Hall of Fame will take time out to honor the 64 
members of Baseball's Hall of Fame who served honorably in our nation's 
armed forces.
  Mr. Speaker, as a nation, we remember and honor the dedicated service 
of all veterans who have worn the uniform of the United States, 
including those without the famous sobriquets or the notoriety of our 
baseball legends.
  As a fan and amateur player, I have long cherished baseball and those 
who played the game. As Chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs 
of the United States House of Representatives, I have the privilege of 
working every day on behalf of America's veterans. That is why I am so 
pleased that the Hall of Fame has chosen to hold this remembrance. 
During a special ceremony on Monday at Cooperstown, a plaque will be 
erected in the Hall of Fame Gallery to permanently honor these veterans 
who earned baseball's highest recognition.
  In announcing this event, Dale Petroskey, president of the National 
Baseball Hall of Fame, explained its purpose:
  ``Since the first pitch was thrown, baseball history has been 
intertwined with American history . . . during World War II, some 95 
percent of all major leaguers registered for active duty, including its 
biggest stars. Hall of Fame members who put themselves in harm's way 
and sacrificed some of their most productive baseball years join a 
special category we call true national heroes. This plaque represents 
their sacrifice and bravery and reminds us of all Americans who have 
fought--and are continuing to fight--for freedom.''
  Mr. Speaker, among the 64 veterans being honored this coming Monday 
are five veterans of World War II who will be in attendance: Warren 
Spahn, Bobby Doerr, Bob Feller, Ralph Kiner, and Phil Rizzuto.
  Warren Spahn, of Buffalo, New York, was elected to the Hall of Fame 
in 1973. A left handed batter and pitcher for the Boston-Milwaukee 
Braves, Mr. Spahn had 363 career wins, led the National League in wins 
eight times, and was awarded the Cy Young award in 1957 as baseball's 
most outstanding pitcher. In his 21-year long career, he was voted an 
all-star 14 times, pitched two no-hitters, and holds the National 
League record for total number of innings pitched. Mr. Spahn missed the 
1943, 1944, and 1945 major league seasons while serving courageously in 
the United States Army. During his service, he was awarded the Purple 
Heart and Bronze Star.
  Bobby Doerr, known as ``the silent captain of the Red Sox'', played 
second base for Boston. He held the American League record for handling 
414 plays without errors and was also a prominent leader among second 
basemen in double plays, putouts, and assists. Following his service in 
the United States Army, Mr. Doerr returned to baseball in 1946, leading 
the Red Sox to the World Series where he batted a remarkable .406.
  Bob Feller of the Cleveland Indians was known as ``Rapid Robert'' 
during his 18 years of professional baseball. In 1940, Mr. Feller led 
the American League with 27 games won, a 2.61 earned run average, 261 
strikeouts, and 31 complete games. Despite the loss of four years in 
his career due to his time spent serving his country in World War II, 
Mr. Feller had 2,581 strikeouts and pitched three no-hitters. During 
his service in the United States Navy, Mr. Feller was awarded five 
campaign ribbons studded with eight battle stars.
  Ralph Kiner played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, debuting in 1946 after 
his service with the United States Navy. In his 10-year career, Mr. 
Kiner had 369 homeruns and averaged 7.1 homeruns per 100 at-bats, which 
places him directly behind Babe Ruth, the all-time leader in this 
statistical category. In 1951, Mr. Kiner led the National League with a 
.452 on-base percentage and a .627 slugging percentage. Elected into 
the Hall of Fame in 1975, Mr. Kiner was known as a true powerhitter who 
envisioned a home run each time he stepped up to the plate. Following 
his playing career, he became an announcer for the New York Mets, where 
he has remained for 40 years, still hosting a popular post-game show 
called ``Kiner's Corner.''
  And finally, Phil Rizzuto, of Brooklyn, New York, played for the 
Yankees for 13 seasons. Known as ``The Scooter'', Rizzuto was a slick 
fielding shortstop and incredible base runner who ended his baseball 
career with a .273 batting average. He was named an All-Star five times 
and was the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1950. As a member 
of the United States Navy, Phil Rizzuto fought in World War II for 
three years and missed the 1943, 1944 and 1945 seasons.
  As you can see, Mr. Speaker, these gentlemen were extraordinary ball 
players who earned the title of American heroes on the diamond. More 
importantly, they were soldiers, sailors and marine, audacious and 
brave-hearted, who answered their country's call. Like the other 59 
members of the Hall of Fame, including one Civil War veteran, they 
interrupted successful careers to defend the freedom and liberties that 
each of us are privileged to enjoy today.
  On a day when we celebrate the heroism and honor the memory of 
millions of men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of 
our country, I am pleased to see that these Hall of Famers also honored 
for their service. It is both fitting and appropriate to pay homage to 
these special veterans who answered the call to duty when their nation 
needed them.
  Mr. Speaker, I call on all Americans who cherish liberty and freedom 
to join us this

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weekend in respectful recognition of all the brave men and women who 
have worn the uniform, fought and died for our country. God Bless them 
all.

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