[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S1904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO BUCK SMITH

 Mr. SCHMITT. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Buck Smith 
of Saint Louis, MO, for being an advocate of Missourians with 
disabilities for more than 30 years.
  In 1994, Buck Smith and a group of friends hosted their first game of 
what would become St. Louis Challenger Baseball. While the effort began 
at a small scale, Challenger Baseball would eventually grow to include 
60 teams and 600 players across Missouri and Illinois. The concept was 
simple: create an opportunity for those with developmental disabilities 
to enjoy America's pastime. Challenger Baseball pairs participants with 
``buddies,'' who help the players hit, run the bases, and, most 
importantly, make friends. For the past three decades, the league has 
provided the invaluable combination of sport and companionship to the 
Greater Saint Louis region.
  In addition to his work with Challenger Baseball, Buck also served as 
senior vice president at Fleischman-Hillard, where he worked for more 
than 28 years. He is a former adjunct faculty member at Maryville 
University and remains an expert in branding and communications.
  Buck Smith is truly a Champion of Missouri. I am grateful for the 
work he has done to enrich the lives of disabled Missourians. I wish 
him the best in his continued efforts to bring together communities 
through baseball and friendship.

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