Senate Resolution No. 3095

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Al Burnham upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the
Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of
Fame on September 14, 2020

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be
achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit,
nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and

WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical
development of the young people of this State, preparing them for the
future by instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a
standard of healthy living, imparting a desire for success and
developing a sense of fair play and competition; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those outstanding athletes who inspired and brought pride
to their school and community by achieving outstanding success in
competition, attaining unprecedented success and the highest level of
personal achievement; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Al Burnham upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Schenectady City School District at its 23rd Annual
Schenectady County Athletic Hall of Fame and Reunion Dinner on Monday,
September 14, 2020, at Glen Sanders Mansion, Scotia, New York; and

WHEREAS, Al Burnham was a standout player on two undefeated Nott
Terrace High School football teams; the 1953 team outscored opponents
277-6 and was inducted into the Capital Region Football Hall of Fame in
2019; and

WHEREAS, The 1954 team outscored opponents 193-33, and Al Burnham
scored four touchdowns the game against Troy; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional athlete was an all-county halfback in
1954, as well as a tough defensive back and linebacker; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Al Burnham was an outstanding baseball player
at Nott Terrace; he batted .500 as a senior and was a member of two
league championship teams; he also wrestled as a junior, losing only one
match; and

WHEREAS, Al Burnham was a member of the 1953 Niskayuna Post 1092 New
York State American Legion Junior Baseball Championship team, and in
1955, he was selected as the Junior Chamber of Commerce Senior Athlete
of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Al Burnham was signed by the Dodgers' organization and
played minor league baseball for parts of the 1957 and 1958 seasons; he
hit a homerun on the first pitch of his first professional baseball at
bat; and


WHEREAS, Moreover, Al Burnham, who was a Schenectady Police Officer
for 31 years, was a superb softball player who was asked by pitching
icon Eddie Feigner to play with "The King & His Court" touring softball
team; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commending Al Burnham upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of
Fame on September 14, 2020; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Al Burnham.