[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 18, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8762-S8763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 140--RECOGNIZING THE TEAMS AND PLAYERS OF 
    THE NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUES FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS, DEDICATION, 
        SACRIFICES, AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO BASEBALL AND THE NATION

  Mr. SANTORUM submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                            S. Con. Res. 140

       Whereas even though African-Americans were excluded from 
     playing in the major

[[Page S8763]]

     leagues of baseball with their Caucasian counterparts, the 
     desire of some African-Americans to play baseball could not 
     be repressed;
       Whereas African-Americans began organizing their own 
     professional baseball teams in 1885;
       Whereas 6 separate baseball leagues, known collectively as 
     the Negro Baseball Leagues, were organized by African-
     Americans between 1920 and 1960;
       Whereas the Negro Baseball Leagues included exceptionally 
     talented players;
       Whereas Jackie Robinson, whose career began in the Negro 
     Baseball Leagues, was named Rookie of the Year in 1947 and 
     subsequently led the Brooklyn Dodgers to 6 National League 
     pennants and a World Series championship;
       Whereas by achieving success on the baseball field, 
     African-American baseball players helped break down color 
     barriers and integrate African-Americans into all aspects of 
     society in the United States;
       Whereas during World War II, more than 50 Negro Baseball 
     League players served in the Armed Forces of the United 
     States;
       Whereas during an era of sexism and gender barriers, 3 
     women played in the Negro Baseball Leagues;
       Whereas the Negro Baseball Leagues helped teach the people 
     of the United States that what matters most is not the color 
     of a person's skin, but the content of that person's 
     character and the measure of that person's skills and 
     abilities;
       Whereas only in recent years has the history of the Negro 
     Baseball Leagues begun receiving the recognition that it 
     deserves; and
       Whereas baseball is the national pastime and reflects the 
     history of the Nation: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress recognizes the teams and players 
     of the Negro Baseball Leagues for their achievements, 
     dedication, sacrifices, and contributions to baseball and the 
     Nation.

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