[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 137 (Monday, September 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO THE NEWARK EAGLES

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 17, 2007

  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw to the attention of my 
colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives a special celebration 
which took place in my hometown of Newark, NJ. The pride of our city, 
the great Newark Eagles, were honored in a series of events coordinated 
by the Newark Preservation and Landmarks Committee on September 13th 
and 14th, 2007.
  During the 2-day celebration, there was a dedication of a plaque and 
street sign at the site of Ruppert Stadium, home of the Newark Eagles 
and the old Newark Bears baseball teams. Also featured was the 
dedication of a plaque at the one-time home and office of Effa Manley, 
co-owner and business manager of the Eagles. She was elected to the 
Baseball Hall of Fame as the first woman to receive this honor. She 
worked hard to ensure that Negro League ballplayers and owners received 
fair compensation for their services during the integration era.
  The celebration recognized the Newark Eagles for their tremendous 
contribution to the city of Newark. The historic Negro League baseball 
team was remembered as former Eagle players Billy Felder, Red Moore, 
and Curley Williams discussed their experiences with former Newark 
Eagles and New York Giants star Monte Irvin along with sportswriter 
Phil Pepe and sports columnist Jerry Izenberg. The two have recently 
published a book entitled Few and Chosen: Defining Negro League 
Greatness.
  From 1936-1948, the Newark Eagles, owned by Abe and Effa Manley, 
played at Ruppert Stadium in the Ironbound section representing the 
Negro National League. The Newark Eagles were an important source of 
entertainment and civic pride for Newark's African American community 
and for the city as a whole. In addition, many players on the team 
including co-founder Effa Manley, attained historical credit for their 
pioneering contributions to the Negro League and baseball in general.
  A plaque placed at the Newark Housing Authority Cottage Place 
Development on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and West Kinney Street 
honors the team. In that location, there are now streets and lanes 
named after the Newark Eagles and several of its players, including Ray 
Dandridge, Leon Day, Larry Doby, Monte Irvin, Terris McDuffie, Don 
Newcombe, and Lenny Pearson. Eight members of the Newark Eagles have 
been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
  Madam Speaker, as a resident of the city of Newark and a fan of 
baseball, I am honored that a celebration for the Negro Leagues Newark 
Eagles was held in my district, highlighting their success in baseball 
and their contributions to the community.

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