[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF THE BEVERLY KEELERS

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                           HON. JOHN H. ADLER

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Mr. ADLER of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
honor the Beverly Keelers, an outstanding African American women's 
softball team, created during the 1920's by Mrs. Margaret Hicks Morris 
and her sister in Beverly, New Jersey.
  The Beverly Keelers, also known as the ``Killers,'' played softball 
up and down the East Coast. The Keelers took on all competition 
including opponents of the opposite sex. The Keelers were considered 
iconic during their time and in a tumultuous period in our nation's 
history, they reminded others of the diversity that made America the 
greatest nation on Earth. The Keelers captivated its local audience, 
even leading to a local businessman to incentivize the team for 
reaching benchmarks like strikeouts, homeruns and shutouts. In 1938, 
the Keelers earned the auspicious honor of a state championship by 
beating a team from Elizabeth, New Jersey.
  While the team eventually disbanded, it reorganized in the 1950's as 
the Beverly Amazons and continued its success for many more years.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the 
accomplishments of this groundbreaking women's softball team whose love 
for the sport brought pleasure and inspiration to many.

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