[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5846]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



     IN HONOR OF BAYONNE LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL INC.'S 50TH SEASON 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2000

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the Bayonne Little 
League Baseball Inc. for the forty-nine years it has provided young 
people with access to one of America's greatest athletic traditions. 
Baseball teaches responsibility, teamwork, sportsmanship, and nurtures 
self-esteem.
  Forty-nine years ago, on April 15th, 1951, the Bayonne Little League 
Inc. began its commitment to the young people of Bayonne when W. 
Vincent Cook, and a handful of associates, organized a four-team 
program. Volunteers contacted several merchants who agreed to provide 
uniforms and equipment for the 90 youngsters in the league. In 1952, 
twelve more teams were added to accommodate the incredible numbers of 
boys who wanted to participate.
  The increase in participation led to the building of a stadium. The 
League received assistance building the stadium from William Rosenthal, 
and, as a gesture of its appreciation, the League named the new stadium 
in memory of his son, Lewis Rosenthal.
  In 1954, the number of Little League teams increased to twenty, and 
by 1962, the astounding success of the League led to the establishment 
of a program that consisted of 24 Major League and 12 Minor League 
teams. The challenge of expansion and the substantial financial 
obligation that went with it was a constant challenge for the 
organization; but not once did this prevent the League from 
successfully providing for the many young people who registered to 
play.
  After numerous complications, and an extraordinary fund raising drive 
by the community of Bayonne, the League was able to move to a new 
stadium in 1965. The decades to follow demonstrated the same growth 
that the first did, and the community of Bayonne never wavered in its 
profound commitment to its young people and the challenge of Little 
League expansion.
  This great youth organization would not have been possible without 
the hard work and dedication of Commissioner Gene Klumpp and all those 
who understand the positive impact sports have on our young people. I 
would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the growth and 
continuation of the Bayonne Little League.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bayonne Little 
League Baseball Inc. on its 50th season anniversary.

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