[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1499-E1500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING THE ALBUQUERQUE DUKES

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to honor the

[[Page E1500]]

everlasting heritage of the Albuquerque Dukes baseball team, the famous 
``Duke'' logo strewn across their dirt-stained jerseys and its rich 
cultural representation of our great state of New Mexico. I would also 
like to extend my gratitude to trademark owners Fred Matteucci and 
Steve Palmisano for recognizing the rich historical significance of 
this iconic symbol and bringing it back to our community.
  In 1915, the Albuquerque Dukes became the first recognized 
professional baseball team, and joined the Class D Rio Grande 
Association featuring the Spanish conquistador as their symbol and 
mascot; they called him the ``Duke''.
  The symbol of the Duke had far reaching ties to the identity and 
narrative that defines the city of Albuquerque. It derived from 
Francisco Cuervo y Valdez who wrote to Francisco Fernandez de la Cueva, 
a viceroy of New Spain, later known as The Duke of Alburquerque to 
inform him of their newly founded villa. The ``r'' would later be 
dropped, but that site still remains and now features our beautiful 
Albuquerque metropolis of over 500,000 people.
  It is remarkable how much the Dukes baseball team impacted our 
community. From the Great Depression, to the Manhattan Project, to the 
Cold War, and to the countless other events in our nation's history the 
Albuquerque Dukes were always there.
  For 88 years, the Dukes took the field. Most New Mexicans still 
remember the smell of the grass, the pop of the ball when it met the 
wood of the bat, and preparing a fresh hot dog on the back of a pick-up 
truck parked above the lava rocks beyond the outfield fence. The Dukes 
became a cultural identity, a representation of what it is to be New 
Mexican and a sense of pride for everyone in Albuquerque. Families and 
friends celebrated victories and mourned the losses, but through it all 
they never lost faith in their team.
  Although the Dukes no longer play, their legacy endures. Each spring, 
The Duke City and the Albuquerque Isotopes renew this commitment. Many 
fans still sport the Spanish-influenced red and gold jerseys and 
remember back to the excitement of the first pitch of every game. 
Thanks to individuals like Fred and Steve and the countless 
Albuquerquians who continue to proudly display the iconic conquistador, 
we can continue to preserve our unique history and tradition for future 
generations.

                          ____________________