[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 14, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING JIM THOME ON INDUCTION INTO GREATER PEORIA SPORTS HALL 
                                OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 14, 2015

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of 
baseball player and Peoria native, Jim Thome, who will be inducted into 
the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame on April 11, 2015.
   Mr. Thome's roots in America's pastime run deep in the Illinois 
community, having played at Limestone High School in Bartonville and at 
Illinois Central College in East Peoria. He will be joining his father, 
grandfather, uncle, and aunt in the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame, 
all of whom are recognized for their contributions to baseball and 
softball.
   His professional achievements on the baseball diamond are 
highlighted by his 2,328 career hits, 5 time selection to the Major 
League Baseball All-Star game, and 612 homeruns, placing him as seventh 
on the all-time homerun list.
   As someone who my late brother, Dan Callahan, considered a personal 
friend, Mr. Thome is as exemplary off the field as his feats are on the 
field. Jim and his wife, Andrea, are actively involved in a number of 
causes, which include helping underserved children find adoptive and 
foster families, improving the quality of care at Illinois Children's 
Hospital, and aiding tornado victims in Washington, Illinois.
   Jim has been recognized twice for his dedication to community 
service by being awarded Major League Baseball's Marvin Miller Man of 
the Year Award, which is given to the athlete who best exemplifies 
success in their community, as well as on the field.

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