[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 21 (Thursday, February 4, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E122-E123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF MARION CAIN, ERNEST FANN, LEMUEL HAWKINS, AND ROBERT 
                                 SCOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2016

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize four 
Macon, Georgia natives who played Negro League baseball: Marion Cain, 
Ernest Fann, Lemuel Hawkins, and Robert Scott. A ceremony to honor 
these men has been coordinated by Gordon Smith, an Eagle Scout 
candidate with Boy Scouts of America, Central Georgia Council, Troop 
170, and will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Luther Williams 
Baseball Field in Macon, Georgia.
  Negro League baseball officially organized in 1920 and existed until 
the early 1960s. While segregation between professional teams hindered 
some competition for the leagues, the teams maintained a high level of 
professionalism and became centerpieces for economic growth in many 
black communities. The individuals who pursued careers in Negro League 
baseball contributed to a sense of pride and community during a time of 
oppression and segregation. As such, I would like to honor four Macon 
natives who continue to inspire those in their communities: Marion 
``Sugar'' Cain, Ernest Fann, Lemuel Hawkins, and Robert Scott.

[[Page E123]]

  Marion ``Sugar'' Cain was born on February 4, 1914 in Macon, Georgia. 
Cain was an esteemed pitcher but doubled in the outfield. He started 
his career with the Pittsburgh Crawfords, and went on to the Brooklyn 
Royal Giants, and then the Oakland Larks.
  Ernest Fann was born on July 24, 1943 and attended Ballard-Hudson 
High School in Macon. He led his baseball team to state championships 
in 1961 and 1962. He was a pitcher and catcher playing for the Atlanta 
Black Crackers, as well as teams in Brunswick, Georgia and Daytona, 
Florida.
  Lemuel Hawkins was born on October 2, 1895, and was a pitcher and 
first baseman for the Kansas City Monarchs, Chicago Giants, and Chicago 
American Giants. Hawkins was the first baseman for the Monarchs during 
the 1924 Negro League World Series.
  Robert Scott was born on June 22, 1931 and was a pitcher for the 
Macon Braves and Macon Cardinals. He also played with the New York 
Black Yankees, Boston Blues, and the Jackie Robinson Barnstorming Team.
  To commemorate these exceptional athletes, a ceremony will be held at 
Luther Williams Baseball Field where bronze plaques for each player 
will be placed. I would like to thank Gordon Smith for organizing this 
outstanding tribute as part of his leadership and service project as he 
works toward the rank of Eagle Scout. As a proud Eagle Scout myself, I 
am reminded of the great responsibility this signal honor carries: the 
responsibility to always exemplify the high principles embodied in the 
Scout Oath and Scout Law. Gordon's commitment to pay homage to and 
learn from the hard work and courage of those who came before him 
reflects the sincerity of his purpose, the strength of his 
determination, and the timbre of his character.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing 
the courage, determination, and legacy of these four Negro League 
baseball players from Macon, Georgia. Let us be grateful for the pride 
these men helped bring to disenfranchised communities and thankful for 
the changes that have since come, not only in the realm of baseball, 
but throughout our nation.