[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUES AND THEIR 
                                PLAYERS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 162, 
recognizing the contributions of the Negro Baseball Leagues and their 
players for their achievements, dedication and sacrifices to baseball 
and the Nation.
  During the late 1800s, despite numerous attempts, viable, 
professional leagues, with players of color, had difficulty growing 
into large professional enterprises. The Negro Baseball League grew out 
of both necessity, as segregation prevented players of color from 
participating in organized leagues, such as the National Association of 
Base Ball Players, which banned black athletes, and a love for the game 
of baseball. During these times, although few black players played 
alongside white players most were subjected to regional prejudices and 
bans preventing black players from playing, lodging or eating in 
segregated establishments.
  In the years following the American Civil War and the Reconstruction 
era, black baseball emerged as a viable and exciting enterprise in the 
East and Mid-Atlantic states. One of the first baseball games between 
two all-black teams was held in September 1860 in Hoboken, New Jersey. 
In the years that followed, black teams played one another when they 
could, through informal networks. In the early 1880s there were some 
200 all-black independent teams that played one another throughout the 
country. It would take the collaboration of three men: John W. ``Bud'' 
Fowler, one of the first known professional black baseball players; 
Moses ``Fleetwood'' Walker and Frank Grant to organize these teams in 
what became known as the Negro League.
  The first all-black professional team was formed in 1885, when the 
Babylon Black Panthers was sponsored by a white businessman from 
Trenton, New Jersey. Renamed the Cuban Giants, the team, along with 10 
others, formed the first Negro League, called the southern League of 
Base Ballists. The league was a commercial success and by the end of 
World War I black baseball had become the premier entertainment 
attraction for urban black populations. In 1920, under the leadership 
of Andrew ``Rube'' Foster, owner of the Chicago American Giants, the 
disparate black leagues of the National Negro League was formed.
  Throughout the history of the Negro League players filled stands, 
electrified fans and performed athletic feats that were previously 
unimaginable. The skills, spirit and dedication of players not only 
contributed to the viability of all-black teams but also helped 
integrate the sport of baseball. Players like Jackie Robinson, the 
first black player to play in the major league, Larry Doby, Leroy 
``Satchel'' Paige and so many others found their start in the Negro 
League and without the Negro League baseball might not be the 
consummate American sport it is today.

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