[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1149-E1150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              AGE NOT AN ISSUE FOR BASEBALL'S JACK McKEON

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                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 2011

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, many senior citizens who travel to Florida 
are doing so to enjoy the retired life after years of working while 
filling their days with hours spent on the beach. Jack McKeon, from the 
Sixth District of North Carolina, crushes this stereotype as he begins 
his second term as manager of baseball's Florida Marlins.
  McKeon has the full support of his family to leave his home in the 
town of Elon to return to the world of professional baseball, a move 
that makes him the second-oldest manager in history. This calculated 
return comes with pressure as McKeon led the Marlins to the 2003 World 
Series championship. His age is sometimes criticized, but the 80-year-
old McKeon said, ``I look at it this way--why should experience get 
penalized? I've managed since I was 14 years old. I'll probably manage 
until I'm 95.''
  Marlins president of baseball operations, Larry Beinfest, said, 
``It's good to see [McKeon] back. He never really left. We turn to him 
to help us at a very difficult time.'' The Florida Marlins seem to be 
in need of McKeon after a recent 10-game losing streak and the 
resignation of former manager Edwin Rodriguez. McKeon is passionate and 
optimistic about his return and has high hopes for the coming season. 
``I don't need this job,'' McKeon said, ``but I love it.''
  From one octogenarian to another, and on behalf of the citizens of 
the Sixth District of North Carolina, we congratulate Jack McKeon on 
resuming his duties as manager of the Florida Marlins and wish him the 
best of luck for the remainder of this season and for however long he 
wishes to manage. We know that whenever he retires for good, we are 
sure that it will be in the Sixth District of North Carolina.

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