[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE DC GRAYS BASEBALL TEAM

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 2019

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing the DC Grays for their 
commitment and contribution to increasing interest and youth 
participation in baseball and softball in the District of Columbia. In 
particular, I want to recognize the DC Grays 2019 summer college 
baseball team and the annual Capitol Hill reception.
  The DC Grays is a talented collegiate summer baseball team that, in 
addition to competing in the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League, 
strives to engage inner-city youth and their families with baseball. 
Their mission is to be ``ambassadors for baseball'' in the District by 
running summer baseball camps and clinics for D.C. youth.
  Named for the champion Homestead Grays from the Negro Leagues, the DC 
Grays reaches out to African-American ballplayers who may have been 
overlooked by other teams.
  The DC Grays partners with Major League Baseball (MLB) to further 
help its mission of providing disadvantaged youth an opportunity to 
learn and enjoy the game of baseball. The programs help motivate young 
players to stay in school and pursue secondary education. MLB's RBI 
program helps teach youth not only the importance of success on the 
field but also in the classroom and the community. This year, the DC 
Grays RBI is sponsoring two summer baseball leagues and two travel 
softball teams for kids from Wards 6, 7, and 8 in D.C.--in addition to 
fall ball programs and winter training. There are 250 kids 
participating in DC Grays RBI programs this year.
  Last year, the DC Grays participated in MLB's unveiling of the new 
Josh Gibson mural on U Street across from Ben's Chili Bowl, and their 
players attended an event to honor Jackie Robinson as part of MLB's 
all-star festivities. They strive to honor the Negro Leagues and its 
role in Washington baseball history. Each year, the DC Grays hosts a 
salute to Negro League Baseball in collaboration with the Hubert Simons 
League Museum.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House to join me in commending the DC Grays 
for the important work it has done and continues to do in the 
community. We wish the DC Grays luck in continuing to inspire and 
engage disadvantaged youth.

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