[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF STICKBALL HALL OF FAMER, CHARLES EDWARD BALLARD 
                                  III

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Charles Edward 
Ballard III an outstanding son of Harlem who passed away on February 
14, 2008, Valentines Day. As I speak with profound sorrow, I ascend to 
celebrate a life well lived and to remember with fondness the 
accomplishments of a remarkable man who, over his many years and under 
much adversity, fought to preserve the good-old pastime game of 
stickball.
  The death of Charles brought immense sorrow and loss to his family 
and friends, and to the countless individuals associated with the 
legendary game of stickball. The game he fought to preserve often 
served to unite young people of different races and nationalities from 
the many diverse neighborhoods around the city of New York. The All-
Star Charles Ballard was a celebrity among the many that played 
stickball on our city's streets, taking part in ten stickball 
championships.
  Within the New York City stickball community, Mr. Ballard is widely 
considered a legend whose bat has launched more than 10,000 line drives 
over a 50-year career. Therefore, it was no surprise that Mr. Ballard 
was the first inductee into the Stickball Hall of Fame in 1973. The 
Hall was founded with the most modest of goals: to formally recognize 
the sport. The founders--all members of the Old Timers, including their 
manager, Carlos Diaz--picked the top players from throughout the city, 
including those who parlayed their street skills into professional 
baseball careers, like Phil Rizzuto, Joe Torre, Willie Randolph and 
Rusty Torres.
  ``Charlie'' as he was affectionately known, was an inspiration and 
true symbol of commitment and sportsmanship to the game he truly loved 
and its faithful players for more than 50 years. Mr. Ballard was a 
shining example of selfless love for the many generations of young 
bucks that came to play the game before and after. He derived 
significant gratification teaching the sport to kids, spending many 
hours in the streets and parks of the community with them. He also 
gladly spent equal, if not more time, mentoring youth about the game of 
life, offering them his wisdom, compassion, and support.
  Mr. Ballard was also a member of the ``Greatest Generation'' as a 
veteran of World War II. He proudly fought for his country, serving in 
the Navy from 1942 to 1945. In addition, he had the distinction of 
being one of only a few African-Americans to serve as a radio operator 
in the Navy. Charlie achieved so much during his lifetime that his 
comrades will continue to benefit from his work even as they miss his 
ongoing presence.
  Madam Speaker, rather than mourn his passing, I hope that my 
colleagues will join me in celebrating the life of Charles Edward 
Ballard III by remembering that he exemplified greatness in every way.

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