[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 13]
[House]
[Pages 17698-17699]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE CAPE COD BASEBALL LEAGUE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Delahunt) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today so that my colleagues in 
the House of Representatives can join me in recognizing the Cape Cod 
Baseball League of Massachusetts on its 125th anniversary.
  Recognized as ``the'' summer collegiate league in the Nation, the 
Cape Cod Baseball League today consists of 10 franchises in two five-
team divisions. In its early years, during World War I and World War 
II, the league was populated largely by young GIs fresh from their 
service. The modern era of the league began in 1963, when it was 
officially sanctioned by the NCAA.
  Throughout its existence, the League has promoted to the big time,--
``the bigs''--several Cy Young and Most Valuable Player Award winners, 
as well as Major Leaguers who achieved Hall of Fame status, as well as 
decorated scouts and managers, all of whom got their start on the 
fields of dreams on Cape Cod.
  Entering its 125th season, the League continues to offer the most 
talented baseball players from across the country the opportunity to 
demonstrate their skills in front of Major League scouts. As the 
pioneer among the Nation's summer leagues--including, by the way, the 
use of wooden bats--the Cape Cod Baseball League is truly America's 
League.
  Young players learn the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork not

[[Page 17699]]

only on the diamond and in the dugout, but also through the generosity 
of Cape Cod families who open their homes to host these young men 
during the summer season.
  At a time when the integrity of the game is at risk, the Cape Cod 
Baseball League continues to embody the golden American tradition of 
wholesome entertainment. Our national pastime has been kept alive in 
its most pure state, owing to the effort of this volunteer 
organization, which enables fans to enjoy games at no expense; where 
visions of striped socks, crackerjacks, and lemonade evoke feelings of 
nostalgia for the bygone days of America's favorite sport.
  The Cape Cod Baseball League stands out as a national treasure that 
can captivate any spectator through an exciting, competitive, nine-
inning baseball game.
  On this historic occasion, I am proud to honor the Cape Cod Baseball 
League for its 125 years of success and for its well-established, 
beloved reputation among the Cape Cod family, both residents and 
tourists alike. Congratulations to the players and to the volunteers in 
that organization, and may you forever be ``Where the Stars of Tomorrow 
Shine Tonight.''

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