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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The 60th anniversary of the day that Jackie Robinson |
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broke the color barrier in major league baseball is taking place on |
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April 15, 2007, and this occasion provides an opportune time to |
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reflect on the importance of that extraordinary accomplishment; and |
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WHEREAS, On that day in 1947, when Jackie Robinson emerged |
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from the dugout and took his position at first base for the Brooklyn |
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Dodgers, he became the first African American to play for a major |
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league team; his appearance shattered the strict racial segregation |
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that had existed in baseball, and it was a powerful symbol that |
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other forms of racial exclusion that existed in the United States |
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could and would end; and |
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WHEREAS, While it was a significant breakthrough, Jackie |
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Robinson's appearance playing for the Dodgers was only the |
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beginning of the story, and his victory over intolerance required a |
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long and hard-fought battle; he endured harassment and threats from |
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fans and fellow players, and he faced the considerable pressure of |
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proving that African American players possessed the necessary |
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skills to succeed in major league ball; and |
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WHEREAS, Jackie Robinson responded with composure and |
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sensational play; in his first season, he led the National League in |
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stolen bases, hit for a .297 batting average, and was named Rookie |
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of the Year; two years later, he was the National League Most |
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Valuable Player, and he helped the Dodgers win six pennants and one |
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World Series in his 10-year career; in 1962, he was elected to the |
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National Baseball Hall of Fame; and |
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WHEREAS, Both inside and outside the game, this courageous |
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and gifted player had a tremendous influence; other minority |
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athletes followed the trail blazed by Jackie Robinson, and his |
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success in overcoming racial discrimination has been an enduring |
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inspiration to countless individuals in the decades since he first |
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put on the Dodgers uniform; and |
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WHEREAS, The 60th anniversary of his first game is being |
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marked with a variety of activities, including special Jackie |
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Robinson Day ceremonies at major league baseball stadiums |
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throughout the country on April 15; these observances are a fitting |
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tribute to Mr. Robinson and his accomplishments, and it is most |
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fitting for the members of this chamber to likewise commemorate the |
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significance of this important event in American history; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the 60th anniversary of Jackie |
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Robinson becoming the first African American player in major league |
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baseball and recognize Mr. Robinson's contributions to the |
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achievement of greater social equality in the United States. |
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Bailey |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 295 was adopted by the House on March |
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1, 2007, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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