[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4085]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ``BABES OF 1916'' SENIOR CITIZENS 
                            SOFTBALL LEAGUE

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition and 
celebration of the Twentieth Anniversary of the Babes of 1916 Senior 
Citizens Softball League, formed in 1983. I also stand in honor of the 
officers of the League: Gil Novak, Nick Gavanditti, Gus Bene and Paul 
Ristau, and I honor the members of the League who remain forever young, 
with a clear understanding that one is never too old to step up to the 
plate.
  Over the years, the League has grown from thirty-one players to over 
one hundred and fifty. Every summer, the teams in the League play at 
well-attended events in ballparks across the county. Over the past 
twenty years, teams within the League have won several local and 
national championships, including their regular participation in the 
Senior Softball World Series.
  The League members' sincere love and enthusiasm for life is clearly 
reflected in their love for the game--in every calculated pitch, in 
every outfield catch, in every throw to first, and in every swing of 
the bat. The players also extend their spirit and energy across our 
community, as they consistently donate their time to play for 
charitable and civic events.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honor, tribute, and celebration of the 
past and present leaders of the Babes of 1916 Senior Citizens Softball 
League, for their twenty years of uplifting our hearts and spirits with 
their great affection for America's favorite pastime. The players and 
leaders of the League are the guardians of the most beloved and 
historic game in American history, and because of them, our seniors 
have the opportunity to still experience the joy of fielding a ground 
ball, hitting the winning run, teamwork, and camaraderie. The Babes of 
1916 Senior Citizens Softball League have given its youthful 
ballplayers much more than the love of the game. They've given seniors 
the chance to play at the ballpark, inspiring cherished moments and 
creating memories that reach back to childhood--from the early innings 
of their youth--to the bottom of the ninth, two down, tie score, bases 
loaded. Batter up.

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