[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 131 (Tuesday, September 23, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S11859]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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 SENATE RESOLUTION 228--RECOGNIZING THE TEAMS AND PLAYERS OF THE NEGRO 
 BASEBALL LEAGUES FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS, DEDICATION, SACRIFICES, AND 
                CONTRIBUTIONS TO BASEBALL AND THE NATION

  Mr. NELSON of Florida submitted the following resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:

                              S. Res. 228

       Whereas even though African-Americans were excluded from 
     playing in the major leagues of baseball with their Caucasian 
     counterparts, the desire of some African-Americans to play 
     baseball could not be repressed;
       Whereas Major League Baseball was not fully integrated 
     until July 1959;
       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;
       Whereas in 1997 Major League Baseball created a pension 
     plan for former players of the Negro Baseball Leagues who 
     went on to play in Major League Baseball; and
       Whereas baseball is the national pastime and reflects the 
     history of the Nation: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the teams and players of the Negro Baseball 
     Leagues for their achievements, dedication, sacrifices, and 
     contributions to both baseball and our Nation; and
       (2) encourages Major League Baseball to reach a fair 
     compensation agreement with former players of the Negro 
     Baseball Leagues who were excluded under Major League 
     Baseball's 1997 pension plan.

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