[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 102 (Thursday, July 9, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H7920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE CAPE COD BASEBALL LEAGUE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Delahunt) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today so that my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives can join me in recognizing a special piece of 
Americana, the Cape Cod Baseball League of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on 
the occasion of its 125th anniversary.
  Widely renowned as the best summer collegiate league in the Nation, 
the Cape Cod Baseball League today consists of 10 franchises in two, 
five-team divisions. In its early years, during World War I and World 
War II, the league was largely populated by young GIs fresh from their 
service overseas. The modern era of the Cape Cod Baseball League 
commenced in 1963, when it was officially sanctioned by the NCAA.
  Throughout its existence, the league has been responsible for several 
Cy Young and Most Valuable Player awards in the Bigs and many Hall of 
Famers and renowned scouts and managers, all of whom received their 
start in the Cape Cod Baseball League. Entering its 125th season, the 
league continues to offer the most talented baseball players from 
across the country the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in front 
of professional scouts.
  As a pioneer among the Nation's summer leagues in many respects, 
including the use of wooden bats, the Cape Cod Baseball League is truly 
America's league. The young players learned the importance of 
sportsmanship and modesty, not only on the diamond and in the dugout, 
but also through the generosity of generations of Cape Cod families who 
open their homes to host them during the summer season.
  At a time that has not always been conducive to preserving the 
integrity of the game, the Cape Cod Baseball League continues to embody 
the golden American tradition of our wholesome national pastime. That 
pastime has been kept alive in its pure and amateur state owing to the 
outstanding efforts of this volunteer organization, which enables fans 
to enjoy games at no expense where visions of Red Sox, Cracker Jack and 
lemonade evoke feelings of nostalgia for the bygone days of America's 
favorite sport, baseball.
  The Cape Cod Baseball League stands out as a national treasure that 
can captivate any young man or woman through nine heart-pounding 
innings. On this historic occasion I am particularly proud to honor the 
Cape Cod Baseball League for 125 years of success and its well 
established, beloved reputation among Cape Cod residents and tourists 
alike.
  Congratulations to the Cape Cod Baseball League, and may you forever 
be, as the saying goes, ``Where the Stars of Tomorrow Shine Tonight.''

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