[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 77 (Thursday, May 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO SAM SUPLIZIO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to stand before this body 
of Congress to honor a man known as Colorado's ``Mr. Baseball.'' Sam 
Suplizio of Grand Junction, Colorado has spent his life playing, 
coaching, and promoting the game. As he retires from his position as 
Director and Chairman of the National Junior College World Series, I 
would like to pay tribute to this outstanding leader.
  Fifty years ago, Sam was one of the top amateur baseball players in 
the nation. Following a brilliant collegiate career in which he became 
the University of New Mexico's first All-American baseball player, the 
New York Yankees signed Sam and quickly labeled him as their top 
prospect. As a minor leaguer in 1955, Sam hit more home runs than Roger 
Maris, and the next year the Yankees called him up to the big leagues. 
Unfortunately, only three days after joining the team, Sam suffered a 
career-ending injury while sliding into second base.
  Despite the setback, Sam rebounded to become a professional scout, 
coach, and manager with the California Angels and Milwaukee Brewers. He 
coached superstars Paul Molitor, Robin Yount, and Bo Jackson, 
participated in selecting members of the U.S. Olympic Baseball Team, 
and earned a World Series Ring in 1982 with the Brewers.
  While his association with professional baseball lasted 50 years, Sam 
always took the time to give back to the community. In addition to four 
decades of leadership with the Junior College World Series, thousands 
of little leaguers, high school, and college players in Colorado 
benefited from the free clinics Sam frequently conducted. As co-
chairman of the Colorado Baseball Commission, Sam led the effort to 
bring the Rockies to Colorado and was instrumental in the building of 
Coors Field. He was so effective in that role that Colorado's Governor 
appointed him to help build a new stadium for the Denver Broncos as 
well.
  Mr. Speaker, athletics teach our young people important life lessons 
about dedication, sacrifice, and teamwork, and I am proud to pay 
tribute to a man who has spent five decades imparting these values to 
our youth. Sam is a true public servant who has done so much for the 
game of baseball and the state of Colorado, and I am proud to honor him 
before this body of Congress today.

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