LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the National Baseball Hall of Fame and
Museum upon the occasion of establishing a permanent exhibit honoring
the Latin American impact on baseball

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions which devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum upon the occasion of
establishing a permanent exhibit honoring the Latin American impact on
baseball ; and
WHEREAS, On Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25, 2009, the National Base-
ball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, will open its
first ever bilingual exhibit; and
WHEREAS, This permanent exhibit honors the Latin American impact on
baseball through a celebration of Caribbean Basin countries and players;
Viva Baseball features nearly 150 artifacts and a state-of-the-art
multi-media presentation of Latinos and baseball, spanning nearly 150
years of history; and
WHEREAS, The display focuses on the rich baseball traditions of the
major baseball-playing countries, such as: Cuba, the Dominican Republic,
Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela; and
WHEREAS, In the 1860s, the first Latin Americans to participate in the
sport of baseball were Cuban dock workers who played against American
crews; during the 1950s and throughout the 1960s, baseball's influence
became a cultural pastime throughout all of Latin America as Latin Amer-
icans emerged in the Major Leagues; and
WHEREAS, Today, nearly 100 Major League Baseball players are natives
of Latin America; and
WHEREAS, The Latin American Hall of Famers and Major League All-Stars
provide specific details for playing in their homeland, their journey to
the Major Leagues and insight into what makes Caribbean baseball
special; and
WHEREAS, In light of its commitment, dedication, and successful
efforts, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its highest
commendation to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, its
actions and tribute to the sport upholds the values of America's true
pastime; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum upon the occasion
of establishing a permanent exhibit honoring the Latin American impact
on baseball; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jeff Idelson, President, National Baseball Hall of Fame and
Museum.