[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S6780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    MAX SCHUMACHER'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS

 Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, today I wish to celebrate an 
important milestone in the life of my fellow Hoosier, former classmate, 
and close friend, Max Schumacher. On July 15, I will have the 
opportunity to join Max's family and many friends in Indianapolis at 
Victory Field to celebrate his 50 years of important leadership with 
the Indianapolis Indians baseball team.
  Since I came to know Max while we were both students at Shortridge 
High School, I have always been impressed by his commitment to 
leadership and public service. During our time at Shortridge, I admired 
his remarkable athletic and journalistic abilities. Max went on to 
study at Butler University where he was a member of the baseball team 
and editor of the school's newspaper, The Collegian. After receiving a 
bachelor of science degree in journalism in 1954, Max joined the U.S. 
Army, where he served until 1956. Butler recently recognized his 
accomplishments when he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
  For the past 50 years, Max has worked in several different capacities 
within the Indians organization, including ticket manager, publicity 
director, general manager, and now president and chairman of the board. 
His leadership has helped the Indians achieve 31 consecutive years of 
profits and business success. In 1988 Max received the John H. Johnson 
President's Award to recognize him as the individual who ``best 
exemplifies the standards of a complete baseball franchise.''
  Another milestone of Max's leadership of the Indians was the opening 
of Victory Field 10 years ago. Fans from across the country have 
marveled at this beautifully modern facility, which has been recognized 
as one of the premier baseball stadiums in the country. Victory Field 
has been an important addition to downtown Indianapolis, enabling 
families to enjoy memorable experiences together in such a welcoming 
atmosphere.
  Max's leadership in the Indianapolis community goes far beyond his 
work with the Indians. Max has served as president of the Indianapolis 
Downtown Kiwanis Club, the Indianapolis Kiwanis Foundation board of 
directors, the board of directors of the Boys and Girls Club of 
Indianapolis, and is a member of the board of directors of the Greater 
Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. As a recognition of this service, 
Governor Bowen named Max a ``Sagamore of the Wabash'' in 1980, and he 
was designated a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.
  I also congratulate Max's wife Judy and their three children, who 
have been such an integral part of the Indians family for these many 
years. I was honored to be an usher in the wedding ceremony when Judy 
and Max were married, and Max was an usher when Charlene and I were 
married.
  I appreciate this opportunity to congratulate my friend Max 
Schumacher, and I look forward to many more adventures with him, his 
family and friends, and the entire Indians organization as we cheer the 
Indians on to victory.

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