[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 158 (Monday, December 12, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13454-S13455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 68--DESIGNATING MAY 20, 2006, AS ``NEGRO
LEAGUERS RECOGNITION DAY.''
Mr. NELSON of Florida (for himself and Mr. Talent) submitted the
following conconcurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee
on the Judiciary:
S. Con. Res. 68
Whereas even though African Americans were excluded from
playing in the major leagues of their time with their white
counterparts, the desire of many African Americans to play
baseball could not be repressed;
Whereas Major League Baseball did not fully integrate its
league until July 1959;
Whereas African Americans began organizing their own
professional baseball teams in 1885;
Whereas the skills and abilities of Negro League players
eventually made Major League Baseball realize the need to
integrate the sport;
Whereas six 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 who played the game at its highest level;
Whereas on May 20, 1920, the Negro National League, the
first successful Negro League, played its first game;
Whereas Andrew ``Rube'' Foster, on February 13, 1920, at
the Paseo YMCA in Kansas City, Missouri, founded the Negro
National League and also managed and played for the Chicago
American Giants, and later was inducted into the Baseball
Hall of Fame;
Whereas Leroy ``Satchel'' Paige, who began his long career
in the Negro Leagues and did not make his Major League debut
until the age of 42, is considered one of the greatest
pitchers the game has ever seen, and during his long career
thrilled millions of baseball fans with his skill and
legendary showboating, and was later inducted into the
Baseball Hall of Fame;
Whereas Josh Gibson, who was the greatest slugger of the
Negro Leagues, tragically died months before the integration
of baseball, and was later inducted into the Baseball Hall of
Fame;
Whereas Jackie Robinson, whose career began with the Negro
League Kansas City Monarchs, became the first African
American to play in the Major Leagues in April 1947, was
named Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year in 1947,
subsequently led the Brooklyn Dodgers to 6 National League
pennants and a World Series championship, and was later
inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame;
Whereas Larry Doby, whose career began with the Negro
League Newark Eagles, became the first African American to
play in the American League in July 1947, was an All-Star 9
times in Negro League and Major League Baseball, and was
later inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame;
Whereas John Jordan ``Buck'' O'Neil was a player and
manager of the Negro League Kansas City Monarchs, became the
first African American coach in the Major Leagues with the
Chicago Cubs in 1962, served on the Veterans Committee of the
National Baseball Hall of Fame, chairs the Negro Leagues
Baseball Museum Board of Directors, and has worked tirelessly
to promote the history of the Negro Leagues; and
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: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring), That Congress--
(1) designates May 20, 2006, as ``Negro Leaguers
Recognition Day''; and
(2) recognizes the teams and players of the Negro Baseball
Leagues for their achievements, dedication, sacrifices, and
contributions to both baseball and our Nation.
Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, I, along with Senator Talent,
proudly submit a resolution recognizing May 20, 2006 as, ``Negro
Leaguers Recognition Day.''
Since 1885, long before Major League Baseball was integrated in 1947,
African Americans were organizing their own professional leagues. These
leagues did not succeed because of racial prejudice and lack of
adequate financial backing. However, this changed dramatically with the
inception of the first successful Negro league. On May 20, 1920, the
Negro National League played its first game. Its creation was the
result of the efforts of an African American player and manager named
Andrew ``Rube'' Foster. Mr. Foster's success inspired the formation of
other leagues.
As a result, on October 3, 1924, the first Negro League World Series
game was played between the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro National
League and Hilldale of Philadelphia of the Eastern Colored League. This
historic and exhaustive first series lasted ten games, covered a span
of almost three weeks, and was played in four different cities. In the
end, Kansas City claimed the championship.
But the lasting legacy of the Negro leagues, as the six separate
leagues between 1920 and 1960 are collectively known, are the
tremendous baseball players they produced. Some of the names we know
and some we don't. Among them is Jackie Robinson, the first African
American to break the
[[Page S13455]]
baseball color barrier; Leroy ``Satchel'' Paige, who was considered one
of the greatest pitchers of all time; Josh Gibson, who was a prolific
home-run hitter; Larry Doby, the first African American to play in the
American League in July 1947; and John Jordan ``Buck'' O'Neil, who was
the first African American coach in the Major Leagues and who is now
head of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
It is important that we remember and honor these players. In breaking
down the baseball color barrier, these pioneers dealt a blow to hatred
and prejudice across America. Today, we can honor them by declaring May
20, 2006 as, ``Negro Leaguers Recognition Day.''
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