Tribute To Negro Baseball League

Floor Speech

TRIBUTE TO NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUE -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 14, 2007)

* Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my profound respect and admiration to all the members of the Negro Baseball League. These athletes contributed greatly to the sport of baseball and to our nation. African American baseball players were an important part of breaking down barriers, reducing prejudice, and moving the country towards integration, fairness, and equality. And because of their talent and determination, Major League Baseball finally integrated in 1959, 40 years after the formation of the Negro Baseball League.

* While the 4th District was never home to an official Negro baseball team designated by the Negro League, which began in 1920, it was home to the St. Paul Gophers. The team was formed in 1907, long before the official Negro League was created, and with the likes of Bobby Marshall, a stand-out at the University of Minnesota in three sports, they went on to win the unofficial championship in 1909 against the Chicago Leland Giants. Minnesota was also home to Minneapolis Keystones, an all-black men's team that also played in the early 1900's and, in 1944, the Minneapolis Millerettes, a member of All-American Girls Baseball League. Even though these teams played for only a short time, they remain an important part of the history of our state and a testament to the value of inclusion in our communities.

* I am proud to support for H. Res. 162 and to recognize the enormous achievements by African American athletes throughout our Nation's history.

Source