[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 119 (Monday, August 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF MR. BILL McKEON

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 1, 2011

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bill McKeon, 
a member of the All-American Amateur Baseball Association (AAABA) Hall 
of Fame's Class of 2011. Mr. McKeon has been an extraordinary player as 
well as a motivating coach with several minor and major league baseball 
organizations. On August 6, 2011 Mr. McKeon will be inducted into the 
AAABA Hall of Fame and I applaud his distinguished and outstanding 
career.
  Bill McKeon played to the highest standards and held those around him 
to similar expectations. Mr. McKeon made his minor league debut in 1952 
with the Welch Miners and continued to produce impressive offensive 
statistics for three consecutive years. He later signed with the Boston 
Braves and was voted the All-Star Catcher of the Appalachian League in 
1952. He continued his professional baseball career as a member of the 
Northern League of Wisconsin and Sooner State League of Oklahoma. In 
1955, U.S. Army Private Bill McKeon was appointed coach of the 516th 
Divisional Baseball team. He guided his team to a win in the European 
Baseball Championship game. Mr. McKeon also participated in the 516th 
Division's basketball and football teams, demonstrating his athletic 
versatility. A devastating rotator cuff injury in 1956 ended Mr. 
McKeon's ability to perform on the field.
  Mr. McKeon's baseball career also included roles as a scout for the 
Philadelphia Phillies, the Los Angeles Angels, the Los Angeles Dodgers, 
the Kansas City A's, the Oakland A's, as well as Eastern Scouting 
Director for the Kansas City Royals, and a Major League Special 
Assignment Scout with the San Diego Padres. Mr. McKeon looks back on 
his time with the San Diego Padres fondly as he enjoyed watching the 
team win the 1984 National League Championship as a member of their 
ball club. Mr. McKeon was also the coach for the Kansas City Royal's 
minor league affiliate in Corning, New York and also coached in Elmira, 
New York as a member of the Eastern League. In 2006, Mr. McKeon coached 
the Evansville Otters Baseball Club to a Frontier League Championship, 
having been the league runners-up in the previous year. His collegiate 
coaching experience includes head coach for Ashland University as well 
as an assistant coaching position for the University of Evansville.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in leading this body in acknowledging Mr. 
Bill McKeon's lifetime commitment to the game of baseball. His 
commitment to the sport is unparalleled and serves as an example of an 
influential, dedicated player and leader.

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