[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 21, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   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

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2007

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, since 1885, long before Major 
League Baseball was inaugurated in 1903, African Americans were 
organizing into their own professional leagues. Unfortunately, racial 
prejudice and lack of adequate financial backing undermined the success 
of these initial leagues. 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 well as thousands of children nationwide.
  Six separate leagues that emerged between 1920 and 1960 are 
collectively known as the Negro Leagues: the Negro National League, 
Eastern Colored League, American Negro League, East-West League, Negro 
Southern League, and Negro American League. The lasting legacy of the 
Negro Leagues includes inspiring events and the tremendous baseball 
players. They produced what baseball aficionado doesn't know about the 
first Negro World Series? On October 3, 1924, the first 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. Clearly, this was a remarkable 
and inspiring event.
  What baseball aficionado doesn't know Jackie Robinson, the first 
African American to break the 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; or Larry Doby, the 
first African American to play in the American League in July 1947; or 
John Jordan ``Buck'' O'Neil, who was the first African American coach 
in the Major Leagues, played a major role in establishing the Negro 
Leagues Baseball Museum, and was posthumously honored with the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom December 6, 2006?
  Madam Speaker, Black history in Major League Baseball has been filled 
with many successes and a struggle for equity. Therefore, 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. I encourage all Americans to recognize the 
achievements, dedication, and sacrifice that these Black players made 
to baseball and the Nation.

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