[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 197 (Tuesday, December 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                MR. EDDIE ROBINSON BIRTHDAY RECOGNITION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 10, 2019

  Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Eddie 
Robinson who is celebrating his 99th birthday on December 15, 2019.
   Eddie was born William Edward Robinson in Paris, Texas in 1920. He 
is best known for his 13-year Major League Baseball playing career from 
1942 to 1957. During that time, he also served three years in the U.S. 
Navy, and married the love of his life, Bette, in 1955.
   Eddie has what is described as charisma. It starts with an 
infectious smile that is always there for every story he tells and 
those he hears. He can remember the smallest detail that makes everyone 
lean forward in their chairs to make sure they hear every word. Eddie 
is constantly telling stories from his Major League Baseball days that 
thrill the hearts and minds of his listeners. He is such a gifted story 
teller it is as if we are all reliving the times of his ``Boys of 
Summer'' baseball days.
   His more humorous side sometimes comes out with stories that he 
would never tell in public but shares with his close breakfast group 
known as ``The Eastside Mafia''. Eddie particularly loves telling 
stories of his days playing golf at Woodhaven Country Club in Fort 
Worth. It has been said that he was always so complimentary of a 
fellow's drive by saying, ``Man what a beautiful drive!'', only to 
follow up with his famous baseball trajectory of a line drive which 
would put his well past the shot of his competitors.
   Eddie is also a person that shares his good fortunes in life. 
Besides taking his friends to the Texas Rangers games, he was also 
instrumental in several projects around Fort Worth. He established the 
Woodhaven Neighborhood Golf Association's annual golf tournament, 
proving scholarships for local high school students in Fort Worth. He 
also helped his wife Bette raise funds to construct a clock tower and 
research library--East Regional Library of Fort Worth--which I had the 
pleasure of supporting during my time as Mayor of Fort Worth.
   On behalf of Texas' 12th Congressional District, I offer my 
congratulations and best wishes on this special occasion.

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