[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF ROBERT ``BOB'' FELLER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Robert ``Bob'' 
Feller on his 92nd birthday on November 3 and for his longtime service 
in our community and our Nation.
  Bob was one of the greatest pitchers in Cleveland Indians history. He 
made his major league debut in 1936 at the age of 17, where his 
legendary fastball quickly earned him a reputation around the league. 
He was given nicknames such as ``Rapid Robert'' and ``Bullet Bob.'' His 
career was prodigious; it spanned over sixteen seasons, during which he 
racked up 2581 strikeouts, 3828 innings pitched and 266 wins. These and 
other monumental totals make up many team and league records that 
remain intact today. It is no wonder that Bob was inducted into the 
Hall of Fame in 1962, his first year of eligibility.
  Bob's military service is evidence of his character and love of his 
country. He served our Nation in the Navy during World War II, becoming 
the first major league baseball player to enlist as a result of the 
attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. Though he was in the prime 
of his career and could have deferred his draft notice, he chose to 
miss four seasons, serving aboard the U.S.S. Alabama as it patrolled 
both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. He retired from the Navy at the 
end of the war as a Chief Petty Officer and returned to his exceptional 
career with the Indians.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Bob Feller for his excellence in major league baseball and his 
service to our country. The strength of character he displayed both on 
and off the field makes him a truly exceptional man and a role model 
for generations of baseball fans and patriots.

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