By:  Gallegos                                         S.C.R. No. 65
         99S1160/1                           
                            SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 1-1           WHEREAS, Jose "Cheo" Cruz, Sr., played in more games than any
 1-2     other member in the history of the Houston Astros franchise, and it
 1-3     is with great honor that the Legislature of the State of Texas
 1-4     proudly recognize him; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Having more than a decade of playing time with the
 1-6     Astros, Jose ended his career as a player in 1988 after appearing
 1-7     in 38 games for the New York Yankees; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, A man with exceptional athletic ability, Mr. Cruz
 1-9     spent 19 seasons with the Astros and he heads career lists for
1-10     at-bats, hits, triples, runs batted in, and total bases; and
1-11           WHEREAS, As a tribute to this outstanding athlete, his
1-12     uniform number 25 was retired on October 3, 1992; the Astros
1-13     reactivated his number, which he now wears on the field as the
1-14     first base coach; and
1-15           WHEREAS, Having made a home in Houston, he has become
1-16     actively involved in giving back to the community that so
1-17     enthusiastically supported him through his career; often he can be
1-18     found visiting senior citizens centers in the Hispanic community or
1-19     giving autographs; he frequently donates baseballs or ticket
1-20     packages for various auctions; and
1-21           WHEREAS, As a true competitor who worked diligently to
1-22     accomplish his goals, Jose has become a vital role model for
1-23     Hispanic youth; he has inspired many hopeful Little League members
 2-1     to strive for the best that they can be; now, therefore, be it
 2-2           RESOLVED, That the 76th Legislature of the State of Texas
 2-3     hereby congratulate Jose Cruz, Sr., for his history-making career
 2-4     as a Houston Astro and extend best wishes to him in his future
 2-5     endeavors; and, be it further
 2-6           RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for him
 2-7     as an expression of the high regard of the Texas Legislature.