[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOE MORGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 14, 2007

  Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legendary Joe 
Morgan as the Board of Directors of Alameda County Youth Development, 
Inc. (ACYD) come together in the 9th Congressional District to pay 
tribute to Mr. Morgan and celebrate his impressive legacy.
  Many are aware of Joe Morgan's incredible athletic accomplishments. 
His life has served as an inspiration to our youth, especially in 
communities of color, where Mr. Morgan's example has served as a symbol 
of the power of perseverance in overcoming obstacles and living up to 
one's great potential.
  Even though Mr. Morgan has made significant contributions to our 
world in his capacities as a role model through sports, his 
contributions to our community as a steward of our youth programs and 
charitable causes has created an equally positive impact on thousands 
of people. Mr. Morgan has been one of the most generous and committed 
supporters of youth programs in Oakland, California for over four 
decades.
  Joe Morgan was born in Bonham, Texas in 1944. At the age of 10, he 
moved to Oakland with his family, and has called the East Bay his home 
ever since. Mr. Morgan is a true product and member of the Oakland 
family. He attended Brookfield Elementary, Elmhurst Junior High, and 
graduated with recognition for his academic and athletic prowess from 
Oakland's Castlemont High School in 1961. Mr. Morgan went on to receive 
an Associate's Degree from Merritt College in 1963.
  After graduating from Merritt College, Joe Morgan quickly rose to 
prominence as he launched one of the greatest careers in Major League 
Baseball. In 1963, Mr. Morgan signed his first professional contract 
with the Houston Colt 45's. A year later, he emerged as a key member of 
the Houston Astros, eventually going on to be named the National League 
Rookie of the Year in 1965. He remained with the Astros until 1972, 
when he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, one of the all-time great 
teams that was given the moniker ``The Big Red Machine'' after the 
franchise strung together a series of World Series Championships during 
the 1970s, an accomplishment that continues to be recognized as one of 
the great achievements in American sports history.
  After completing a successful career in professional baseball that 
eventually led to Mr. Morgan being inducted in the Major League 
Baseball Hall of Fame, he returned to school. This act of personal 
determination exemplified his unwavering dedication to education and 
personal growth. Mr. Morgan received a B.S. in Physical Education from 
California State University, Hayward, just as he had promised his 
mother he would do many years ago.
  These tremendous accomplishments, however, were just one aspect of 
Mr. Morgan's capacities as an extraordinary person. Fame and fortune 
were not satisfying for Mr. Morgan if he was not able to use his 
experience and energy to give back to his community. Mr. Morgan has 
always displayed incredible dedication to his family, an unwavering 
love for children, and a personal concern with those around him and his 
community. Mr. Morgan continues to actively support the Young America 
Baseball Program and the Oakland Unified School District Sports 
Program, doing what he can to ensure that those institutions have the 
resources necessary to serve the youth of our community.
  Harnessing so much compassion for his community, Mr. Morgan was 
compelled to create the Joe Morgan Youth Foundation. His Foundation 
provides many much needed services for our youth, including 
scholarships, financial support programs, and innovative community 
initiatives.
  This year, in recognition of his extraordinary life, accomplishments, 
and dedication to our community, ACYD has presented Mr. Morgan with its 
first George P. Scotlan Outstanding Citizen Award. Mr. Morgan is 
certainly one of Oakland's most outstanding citizens, and an excellent 
choice for such a prestigious honor.
  On behalf of the residents of California's 9th Congressional 
District, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. 
Morgan as he receives due recognition for his contributions. The 
community of Oakland, especially those impassioned about the well being 
and future of our youth, salute Joe Morgan today, and we look forward 
to witnessing his lasting and positive impact on the lives of our 
children.




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