[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MR. PHIL ``HAMBONE'' HAMILTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2017

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to stand 
before you and my fellow colleagues today to recognize Mr. Phil 
``Hambone'' Hamilton, as he celebrates the 50th Anniversary of his 
baseball and softball umpiring career. For his lifetime of devotion to 
the youth in the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, through the 
sports of baseball and softball, Phil Hamilton is to be commended.
   Phil's love for umpiring began when he became a baseball team 
manager while attending Lew Wallace High School in Gary, Indiana. He 
was given the opportunity to umpire at a practice game, and from that 
day forward, Phil discovered his passion and skill for officiating.
   After high school, while working at U.S. Steel, Phil began umpiring 
for the Gary Little League, Gary Babe Ruth League, the National 
Softball Association, the Amateur Softball Association, and high school 
games throughout Northwest Indiana. Upon retiring from U.S. Steel, 
after thirty-six years of service, he began officiating full-time.
   As an umpire, he has called many games featuring future major league 
baseball players LaTroy Hawkins, Kenny Lofton, Lloyd McClendon and Ron 
Kittle, to name a few. Players and coaches alike have observed Phil's 
enjoyment, pride, and passion for officiating. Consequently, he is 
highly respected for his dedication, knowledge, and the fairness he 
brings to the game.
   In addition to umpiring, Phil volunteered at the College Football 
Hall of Fame at its previous location in South Bend, Indiana, where he 
enjoyed greeting visitors and assisting with assembling exhibits and 
displays. An avid sports enthusiast, Phil is a devoted fan of the 
Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks and spends the offseason rooting 
for and attending Notre Dame football games.
   I must also add that I have known this wonderful gentleman since we 
started first grade together at Saint Mark's Grade School in Gary, 
Indiana. I have been blessed by his friendship my entire life and 
consider him a most generous soul who has served the youth of our state 
his entire life. His is a life we should all seek to emulate.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask you and all of our fellow colleagues to join me 
in commending Phil ``Hambone'' Hamilton for his 50 dedicated years of 
serving the youth of his community. I applaud his distinguished 
officiating career and passion for the game, and I am pleased to honor 
him today.

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