[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 31 (Thursday, March 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE GARFIELD BABE RUTH LEAGUE ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2011

  Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
the Garfield Babe Ruth League on 50 years of service to the youth of 
Garfield, New Jersey. Since its founding in 1961, the League has 
provided countless young people with the opportunity to participate in 
a quintessential American pastime: youth baseball.
  The Garfield Babe Ruth League is a proud member of the Middle 
Atlantic Region of Babe Ruth Baseball. Comprised of two divisions, 13-
15 year olds and 16-18 year olds, the League provides an important team 
experience and extracurricular outlet for as many as 200 young people 
each year. All of the coaches and league officials are volunteers, 
devoting their time to bring baseball into the lives of teenagers. 
These volunteers also maintain Columbus Field, home to all games played 
in the Garfield Babe Ruth League. Over the years, with the help of its 
invaluable volunteer coaches and officials, the League has been able to 
add a press box, score board, dugouts, club house, fencing, lighting, 
bleachers, and numerous other field enhancements. Garfield has hosted 
many District All-Star Tournaments and has been selected to host this 
year's New Jersey State Final Tournament for the 14-year-old division.
  Throughout its half-century of service to the City of Garfield, the 
League has always provided the youth of the community with the 
opportunity to create cherished memories, have important character-
building experiences, and celebrate proud accomplishments, both on and 
off the baseball field. The legacy of this organization only grows 
stronger as the League continues to touch the lives of all who become 
involved with it.
  Mr. Speaker, today I would like to celebrate the Garfield Babe Ruth 
League's 50th anniversary and honor all of its volunteers and 
participants for their role in keeping this wonderful tradition going 
for so many years. I wish the League continued success as it continues 
to proudly serve the community of Garfield, New Jersey.

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