[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 68 (Thursday, April 20, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MANASSAS BASEBALL LEAGUE

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 20, 2017

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 60th anniversary 
of the Greater Manassas Baseball League and express gratitude to all 
those that have contributed both to the success of this volunteer 
organization and to the development of the youth of Manassas and Prince 
William County.
  In spring of 1957, the league was established with only 4 teams--
Manassas Lumber, Mifco (Manassas Ice and Fuel Company), Merchant's 
Firestone, and Martin Chevrolet--also known as ``The Four M's.'' Each 
team was fully sponsored by local businesses, which contributed greatly 
to the community feel of this small-town little league. In fact, Mifco, 
after 60 years, remains a proud sponsor of the league. In 1978, the 
late Harry J. Parrish, who was then mayor of Manassas, and Caton 
Merchant spearheaded the efforts to expand the league, renaming it The 
Greater Manassas Baseball League. Then in 1981, IBM donated land to the 
City of Manassas for the construction of a baseball complex. The league 
today, under the leadership of President Kevin Jennings, consists of 
nearly 75 teams across all age groups, hosts a variety of fundraisers 
and events, and still uses the original baseball complex constructed in 
1981.
  I owe a great debt of gratitude to the Manassas community, local 
businesses, parents, and coaches for supporting the league throughout 
the course of its 60-year existence. Today, the league affords many of 
my young constituents the opportunity to learn the values of confidence 
and positive character through the various lessons taught in baseball 
and softball. Sports not only promote healthy living and foster 
personal growth, but they also are an excellent way to engage with our 
youth.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask that my colleagues join me in thanking the 
Greater Manassas Baseball League and its current President, Kevin 
Jennings, for their commitment to the youth of Manassas. I wish Mr. 
Jennings, the rest of the Board of Directors, parents, coaches, and all 
of the little-leaguers the best in their collaborative efforts and 
future endeavors.

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