Political Quotes

“I rise in support of H.C.R. 337 and particularly wish to recognize the Negro League teams that played in Florida and the players who now reside in our great State. While there were other minor or semi-professional teams in our State, Florida's most recognized Negro League team was the Jacksonville Red Caps, who played in the Negro American League. Their numbers are dwindling, there are now only 150 or so former Negro League players left in the entire country, so it is important that, as we consider H.C.R. 337, I also recognize former players of the Negro Leagues who now live in Florida. While I'm sure my list of Florida's remaining Negro League players is not complete, each year the Jacksonville Suns honor former Negro League players, and on June 9 of this year they met at Wolfson Park and honored the following former Negro League players: Herb Barnhill, who began his baseball career in 1936 and played for the Jacksonville Red Caps in 1938 and 1941-42; Henry ``Bird'' Clark, who began his baseball career in 1955 at the age of 16 with the Kansas City Monarchs; Art Hamilton, a catcher who started with the Indianapolis Clowns in 1953, played with the Detroit Stars and closed his career with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1961; and Harold ``Buster'' Hair Jr., who played for the Birmingham Black Barons in 1953, was drafted and played in Canada and then in 1958 played with the Kansas City Monarchs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”