[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25682]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING AL LOPEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM DAVIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 9, 2005

  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Al Lopez, 
Tampa's beloved son and one of America's greatest baseball players and 
managers.
  Born in Ybor City as the son of a cigar factory worker, Al Lopez 
never forgot his roots. His devotion to his hometown as he rose through 
the ranks of baseball stardom was one of many reasons that ``Senor,'' 
as he was affectionately nicknamed, was so cherished in the Tampa 
community.
  Al was the first Tampa native to play in the major leagues. He 
launched his major league career in 1928 as a catcher for the Brooklyn 
Robins, soon to become the Dodgers. Al went on to catch for the Boston 
Braves, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Indians. Al retired 
after 19 years in the majors, during which he was a two time All-Star 
and earned the record for the most games caught--1,918--a record he 
held until 1987.
  But AI's career was far from over. He went on to manage for 14 years, 
earning a .581 winning percentage and a spot in Baseball's Hall of Fame 
in 1977. Al brought both the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago White 
Sox to the World Series and managed several All-Star teams. However, he 
may be best known for managing teams that finished ahead of the New 
York Yankees between 1949 and 1964.
  Al Lopez's success inspired countless Tampa youngsters to pursue 
their baseball dreams. In his honor, Tampa dedicated Al Lopez Field in 
1954 and Al Lopez Park in 1992. Those who had the pleasure of getting 
to know Al remember him as being the consummate gentleman. In spite of 
his fame, Al was always kind and eager to hear what others had to say.
  AI's remarkable skill and performance as a player on the field and a 
manager on the sidelines was only exceeded by his exemplary character 
and the commitment to others he exhibited throughout his life. His very 
powerful example will undoubtedly inspire generations to come. On 
behalf of the entire Tampa Bay community, I extend my deepest 
sympathies to Al's family. Al gave so much to his hometown. In turn, 
Tampa will forever remember and honor Al Lopez.

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